OMG, YOU GUYS!
I found a feral yellow salsify (Tragopogon major)!

I knew they grew around here. And by “knew”, I mean I researched them on the Maryland Biodiversity Project website. And by “researched”, I basically mean stalking. That’s what I do.
Unfortunately, by the time you spot the flower to find the plant, the salsify root – like other biennials, including wild carrot – has turned tough and unpleasant to eat. So I left this one alone. I have domesticated salsify seeds for my fall garden, and hopefully the experience growing them will improve my ability to spot them in the wild… you know, before the flower appears.
[…] I know wild/feral salsify grows locally, but I have been unable to identify it except when it’s already too late to eat […]