Tragopogon pratensis
goat's beard
A clump-forming, annual or short-lived, tap-rooted perennial to 60cm tall, with narrowly lance-shaped, long-pointed leaves and in early to midsummer produces terminal dandelion-like yellow flowerheads, which close about midday, followed by large fluffy seedheads
Other common names
buck's beardclock flower
see morego-to-bed-at-noon
Johnny-go-to-bed
Johnny-go-to-bed-at-noon
Joseph's flower
noontide
salsifex
salsify
sleep at noon
star of Jerusalem
Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon
nap at noon
noon flower
shepherd's clock
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Brown | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Tragopogon can be annuals or herbaceous perennials with grass-like linear leaves and large, dandelion-like yellow or purple flowerheads in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Easily grown in any soil but are best kept to wild gardens where self-seeding will not be a problem
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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