Salsify is popular in  Europe. This root vegetable is eaten grated or cooked. As a relative to the lettuce family, tt has grass-like foliage and purple flowers in the second year. The foliage and flowers are edible and the roots can be left in the ground until needed. It is also known as Oyster vegetable. In soils which freeze cover with a thick layer of straw and a row tunnel to harvest during winter months.