Tragopogon, possibly T.hybridus.

I'd think salsify aka "vegetable oyster" (Tragopogon porrifolius). Vegetable garden plant.

FataMorgana

You guys are just too good! Thanks so much for the ID.

I don't know about its usefulness as an edible, but I wouldn't keep it around or let it go to seed, as here in California it is a pernicious invasive weed that spreads as easily as dandelions and is as difficult to uproot.

I have had this in my garden for two years now. It hasn't self seeded except to replace the one plant. I will however keep an eye on it. I don't want to be responsible for an invasive plant outbreak. I have those darn invasive thistles all over my property. I keep erradicating them only to have come back on rainy years. So I am aware.

Different strokes for different folks. The only one that can be spotted here outside the veggie garden but never in great profusion is the Meadow Salsify (Tragopogon pratensis) - a single plant usually. All the small seed eating birds get to the salsify seed heads while still green here so these never have much chance to spread. Different conditions, different pest plants.

FataMorgana