Although it has been reported from Kashmir and India, recent evidence[citation needed] suggests that specimens from these areas may be a different species.

Western salsify has been introduced into North America where it has become widespread, being reported from all the continental United States except for a few in the far south-east, and all provinces of Canada except Newfoundland and the northern territories.

Its yellow flower head is 4–6 cm in diameter and is likely to be seen in late spring or early summer.

Later the plant forms a seed head that resembles that of the dandelions but is distinctly larger.

Because western salsify is a widespread plant, it has a large number of alternative common names.