This European introduction is the less common sub-species of the two yellow Goat's-beard plants the other being our native plant Tragopogon pratensis ssp minor. In this plant the outer "petals" are as quite long so appear to be about the same length as the sepals. Both of these Goat's-beards must be seen on a sunny morning because they don't open in rainy or dull weather and close as noon. Hence the colloquial name: Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon.

It is found mostly in the south east of England with a few records elsewhere but few sites in Scotland, Wales or Ireland.

Ranscombe Farm, Kent 3rd June 2007

Added on 26th April 2008, updated 16th February 2012