Varieties

Salsify, a biennial, produces a thin, tapering taproot with creamy white flesh that grows up to 15 inches/38 centimeters long. It has narrow, leeklike leaves and beautiful, reddish violet edible flowers that are followed by thistlelike seedheads.

Scorzonera, a winter-hardy perennial, has darker skin, narrower roots, and a milder flavor than salsify. The plant has slender, tapering leaves and bears yellow flower heads that resemble dandelions. Although only the roots are sold, the leaf stalks, buds, and flowers are edible and often used in salads by home gardeners.