Western Salsify

Also known as Goatsbeard. At least if my flower ID'ing skills haven't failed me. Can anyone confirm this for me? I think this is generally considered a weed akin to Dandelion, but I had never seen one before and liked it. Found it this morning near Standley Lake. I've included a link to larger version.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/492787834_4d0b82ff00_o.jpg

Yes, it's Salsify. If it's a weed, that's a new one on me; I think it's native, and it's not overly common.

Nice rendition and good lighting conditions.

Yup, that's Salsify and it's quite common, but maybe not in the mtns where Les lives. It grows like a weed (no pun intended) down here around Lyons. I used to encounter it everywhere in Upstate NY and NH when I lived back there.

Just to add what others have said.... its an introduced plant from Eurasia. More info Here and Here .

EVO and Balsamic Vinager make a great Dressing with this!

Thanks for the extra info. I see it only rarely, so didn't think of it much as an invasive species. Now I know.

And thanks for the "solution" to the problem, James!