Definition

Noun 1. A biennial Eurasian plant of the daisy family: A species of flowering plant in the genus Tragopogon, characterized by its grass-like leaves, milky sap, and large, yellow, dandelion-like flower heads that close by midday. It is commonly known as meadow salsify or Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was dotted with the bright yellow blooms of Tragopogon pratensis.
  • Botanists study Tragopogon pratensis to understand its ecological role and invasive potential in non-native regions.
  • Unlike the common dandelion, Tragopogon pratensis has a notably large, globe-shaped seed head.

Advanced Usage

• As a model organism: In botanical and ecological studies, is sometimes referenced in research on plant hybridization and invasive species biology.
  • The study focused on the genetic introgression between Tragopogon pratensis and a related species.

Variants and Related Words

• Meadow Salsify (n): The most common common name for .
• Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon (n): A folk name for the plant, referring to its habit of closing its flowers around midday.
• Goatsbeard (n): A general common name for plants in the genus, which can sometimes lead to confusion with other species.

Synonyms

• Meadow Goatsbeard (n): Another common name for the same species.
• Yellow Salsify (n): A name highlighting the flower color and its relation to the edible salsify ().

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning of Tragopogon pratensis is strictly as the scientific (Latin) name for a specific plant species. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its significance lies in botanical classification and its description as a weedy, naturalized species in certain regions, as indicated in the reference context.

Noun

1. weedy European annual with yellow flowers; naturalized in United States