Salsify

Tragopogon porrifolius

Salsify is sometimes cultivated and also grows wild in many other locations. It starts blooming in May with a purple flower-head measuring about 5cm across which is surrounded by green bracts. The flowers are pollinated by insects. It belongs to the same family as dandelion and goatsbeard and like those plants forms large 'clocks' to distribute seeds on the wind.