Goatsbeard

Parts Usually Used

Root

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Yellow goatsbeard is a biennial or perennial plant; the slender, fleshy taproot produces a light green, succulant stem from 1-3 feet high, containing a bitter milky juice. The alternate, grasslike, clasping leaves have curled margins and taper to long pointed, backward-bending tips. The stem bears a solitary yellow flower head with ray flowers that unfold early in the morning and close up at midday.

Other varieties: Purple goatsbeard or salsify (T. porrifolius) is a related larger species with uncurled leaves and purple flowers. It is perhaps more widespread than yellow goatsbeard, since it is often cultivated for its edible, oyster-flavored root. The root also has some diuretic properties, but they are weaker than those of yellow goatsbeard. Aruncus dioicus is also called goat’s beard.

Where Found

Grows in pastures, fields, meadows, and waste places of Europe, from where it has come to be naturalized in southern Canada and the northern part of the United States.

Medicinal Properties

Diuretic, stomachic

Legends, Myths and Stories

There is another herb that is called goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus) of the Rose family. Other than having yellow flowers, this herb has no similarity with Yellow goatsbeard (Tragopogon pratensis) or Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius). Salsify (T. porrifolius) is sometimes spelled “salsafy”. Grown as a potherb for its roots. Harvested, stored and cooked much as carrots or beets. Salsify or oyster-plant, yields a juice, that when chewed is said to aid digestion.

Uses

Historically, the plant was primarily utilized as a remedy for urinary and water-retention issues. Herbalists also prepared decoctions of the root for lack of appetite, heartburn, and digestive complaints.

Bibliography

The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine , by Dr. A. , 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H.

Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974