 Western salsify is quite similar to the generally commoner meadow salsify, "T. pratensis", but the bracts which show behind the flower head, a distinctive feature of salsifies, are longer and more noticeable.Although not particularly closely related to meadow salsify or the common salsify or oyster plant ("T. porrifolius"), the western salsify hybridises readily with both, and in North America its hybrids have given rise to the new alloploid hybrid species "T. mirus" and "T. miscellus".Because western salsify is a widespread plant, it has a large number of alternative common names.