Some authorities insist that black salsify is essential. If soaked in water and boiled the taste is similar to black salsify root. Black salsify is hitherto mainly a European crop. The black salsify plant has heads of yellow ray flowers. Black salsify is native to Southern Europe and the Near East. Black salsify is often eaten together with other vegetables, such as peas and carrots. Well-known species include the edible black salsify ("Scorzonera hispanica").