This pretty flower (Tragopogon dubiuis) a non-native plant from Eurasia that has become naturalized in much of the western United States (where it is considered an invasive weed).
This specimen was growing in an open field just a short distance from home but I have also seen it far away in Montana several years ago.
Both the wild and cultivated varieties have long taproots that are edible although they become tough and fibrous once it flowers so learn to identify them before this stage.
Soon the summer heat will arrive and these bright yellow flowers will change into big fluffy seed heads that will spread the next generation with the next gust of wind or a passing human such as myself.
