The Tragopogon porrifolius , or purple morning star, is a little known biennial plant, formerly used as a vegetable: the white roots were eaten like salsify. It has large striking purple-blue ray flowers and long, grassy leaves. It flowers from morning to afternoon, the silky seed fluffs appear after the flowering. Suitable for borders and vegetable gardens. The roots (oat root) can be harvested as a vegetable. The sweet-tasting milky sap of the root is reminiscent of the salty taste of oysters. The leaves can be eaten like spinach and the flowers are a decorative addition.

Sow directly in the open ground in spring or autumn. Cover the seeds lightly and keep the soil moist until germination. The seedlings resemble young leek plants.

This plant likes full sun and a well-drained, fertile soil. It can grow up to 60-120 cm tall.

Tragopogon is native to southern Europe and western Asia and was historically cultivated as a food crop.