Goat’s Beard (Tragopogon pratensis) – Sunburst Wildflower for Meadows & Wildlife Gardens (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free; Super Plugs)

Also known as Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon (for its habit of closing its flowers by lunchtime!), Goat’s Beard (Tragopogon pratensis) is one of those quietly spectacular wildflowers you often notice only once – and then never forget. Its bright, starry yellow blooms rise above slender grassy leaves, opening to greet the morning sun before folding again as midday warms.

This hardy British native thrives in open meadows, verges, and light, well-drained soil – perfect for bringing a touch of wild meadow beauty to gardens. Its seedheads are glorious too: giant dandelion-style spheres that shimmer in the light and scatter gently on the breeze, carrying future meadows with them.

Where it thrives
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, light to moderately fertile
Setting: Meadows, wildflower lawns, sunny verges, gravel edges
Height: 30-60 cm

Planting & care

• Plant in full sun to enjoy those daily ‘morning bloom’ performances.

• Allow some seedheads to mature – they’re part of the magic (and the next generation).

• Perfect companion for Oxeye Daisy, Meadow Buttercup, and Red Campion.

• Low-maintenance and wonderfully tolerant of neglect.

Wildlife value
Its flowers are a breakfast bar for early-flying bees and hoverflies, offering nectar and pollen at dawn when few others do. The hollow stems later shelter tiny insects, and the seeds are often picked up by small birds.

Joel says…
“I’ve always loved Goat’s Beard – not just for its golden flowers but for the theatre of it. You’ll walk out with a cup of tea at nine, it’s open and buzzing with bees – blink, and by lunchtime it’s folded up like it’s clocked off for the day!”