oyster plant

/ˌɔɪstər plænt/

Other forms: oyster plants

Definitions of oyster plant

1. noun

   Mediterranean biennial herb with long-stemmed heads of purple ray flowers and milky sap and long edible root; naturalized throughout United States
   synonyms: Tragopogon porrifolius, salsify, vegetable oyster

   type of:

   herb, herbaceous plant

   a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
2. noun

   long white salsify
   synonyms: vegetable oyster

   type of:

   salsify

   either of two long roots eaten cooked
3. noun

   edible root of the salsify plant
   synonyms: salsify

   type of:

   root

   (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground