The Latin specific epithet porrifolius means "with leaves like leek" (Allium porrum).

[8] In the UK it flowers from May to September, but in warmer areas such as California it can be found in bloom from April.

[5] Tragopogon porrifolius is a common biennial wildflower, native to southeast Europe, Mediterranean Turkey, and north Africa,[8] but introduced elsewhere, for example, into the British Isles (mainly in central and southern England),[11] other parts of northern Europe, North America and southern Africa, and in Australia.

[8][5] Historically, the plant was cultivated for that purpose; it is mentioned by classical authors such as Pliny the Elder.

Presently the root is cultivated and eaten most frequently in France, Germany, Italy and Russia.

However, in modern times it has tended to be replaced by Spanish salsify (Scorzonera hispanica) as a cultivated crop.

When T. porrifolius is grown for seed, it is harvested in the second season from midsummer to early autumn to select for bolt resistance.

[8] The root becomes discoloured and spoils quickly if broken, which can easily happen since it is difficult to remove from the soil without damage.

[13] Planting can also be done in early spring about 100 days before the first frosts in a well prepared soil, preferably a loam or silt-loam.

During the main growing period a good water supply prevents potential branching of the taproot.

[16] The taproots can be stored in traditional clamps although refrigerated storage has been recommended at 0 °C and 90–95% relative humidity for 2–4 months.

[18] Mulching with oats and the use of spring vetch (Vicia sativa) or blue tansy (Phacelia tanacetifolia) as cover crops reduces the number of fungi infecting seedlings and roots.

[citation needed] The plant is edible,[22] but the roots and leaves are most palatable when collected before the flower stalk is produced.

The outer layers can be scraped off, with the root dipped in cold water to preserve its colour.

Tragopogon porrifolius contains polyphenol phytochemicals which are under preliminary research for their potential biological effects.