Black Salsify, also called Scorzonera and Black Oyster Plant, is a cold hardy perennial grown for its thin black root with rough black skin over white flesh. Flower petals smell like cocoa, the edible flower buds taste like okra, and the roots taste like oyster, asparagus, or artichoke, turning sweeter and earthier after a frost. The stems and long, wide leaves that can grow 3'-4' tall are also edible. Delicious roasted, mashed, grilled, and pickled, or simply sautéed in a little butter for a rich, unusual side dish.
Good Companion Plants: Beet, Carrot, Kohlrabi, Parsnip, Potato, Rosemary, Rutabaga, Sage, Thyme, Turnip