Medicinal Monday - Oyster Plant

The Oyster Plant is a member of the Aster family that was introduced to North America by Europeans in the 18th century and today it is found in every U.S. state but Hawaii. The entire plant can be consumed and was by both Europeans and Native Americans. The Oyster Plant was originally introduced as a vegetable that was also used medicinally, making it unusual.

About the Oyster Plant

Growing up to four feet in height, Tragopogon porrifolius is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa and is characterized by its thick taproot that is cooked as a vegetable and is said to have a taste that is similar to oysters. It has purple flowers that resemble lavender chicory blossoms. The grass-like leaves are somewhat kneeled and narrow and usually clasp the stem. The stems produce a milky juice. Feathery hairs are produced when the plant produces its fruit,  giving it the nickname, Purple Goat's Beard. The Oyster Plant is biennial and reproduces by seed. In the second year, the mauve-colored flowers bloom from April through August and have ray florets that resemble daisies. The seeds look like a dandelion puffball and the brownish seeds are easily dispersed by the wind.  The roots look similar to a long white parsnip that can grow up to eight inches long. The Oyster Plant is found just about everywhere from vacant lots and woodlands to grasslands and roadsides. 

Medicinal and Culinary Uses of the Oyster Plant

Oyster Plants are related to dandelions and chicory. The young roots of the oyster plant are eaten raw, and the more mature roots are often broiled or baked. The young flower stalks are cooked and eaten like asparagus and when the seeds are spouted they are eaten like alfalfa sprouts. The rubbery sap is collected by many Native American communities including the Thompson, and dried and then rolled into balls and chewed like gum. Some Native American communities including the Navajo use the sap as milk. The Okanagan broke the stems at their base and use the hardened juice as food.

The most common medicinal uses of the Oyster Pland were to solve digestive problems like indigestion and heartburn. Additionally, this plant was used to treat gallbladder obstructions, jaundice, and high blood pressure. Specifically, the Navajo Ramah made a cold infusion of this plant to treat coyote bites on humans and animals. A cold infusion was also used to treat sore throats. The Navajo Ramah also used this plant as a ceremonial emetic.

The Thompson used the fluffy pappus of the fruits to make "cotton stuffing" for pillows. The Navajo Ramah made a cold infusion and gave it to horses for internal injuries. 

Did You Know...

Other names of this plant are common salsify, Jack Go To Bed, Jerusalem Beard, Purple Salsify, Oat Root, and Vegetable Oyster Plant. 

This plant was popular in ancient Greece and was referred to as "billy goat's beard" because of its silky filaments that are on the end of the seeds.

The genus name, Tragopogon is derived from two Greek words. Tragos means goat and pogon means beard. 

The Oyster Plant was found in frescos in the ancient city ruins of Pompeii.