salsify — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Tragopogon, most of which have purple flowers.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable
   • usually

2. Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Tragopogon, most of which have purple flowers. Tragopogon porrifolius, a plant with linear leaves; cultivated for its light-skinned edible root and herbal properties. Known in particular as "white salsify" among other common names

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable
   • usually

3. Pseudopodospermum hispanicum (syn. Scorzonera hispanica), a plant similar in flavor to T. porrifolius, with lanceolate leaves; cultivated for its dark-skinned edible root. Known in particular as "black salsify" among other common names

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable
   • usually

4. The edible root of these plants.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

Noun

1. edible root of the salsify plant

   Synonyms

   oyster plant

   Broader terms

   root

2. Mediterranean biennial herb with long-stemmed heads of purple ray flowers and milky sap and long edible root; naturalized throughout United States

   Synonyms

   oyster plantvegetable oysterTragopogon porrifolius

   Broader terms

   herbherbaceous plant

3. either of two long roots eaten cooked

   Broader terms

   root vegetable