Tragopogon porrifolius, purple salsify?

Here is a link that might be useful: Tragopogon porrifolius, purple salsify

That is certainly a good guess. . . It is so hard to say if that's it or not. It may be although I remember it having a larger bloom, more rounded. It's hard to remember . . . I also don't remember those type of grassy leaves.

Then perhaps a Centaurea.

Here is a link that might be useful: Centaurea site

Salsify is also called John-go-to-bed-at-noon. Yep, you guessed it. The flowers close at midday. So if you saw the purple flowers late in the day that would effectively rule out salsify.

Salsify also gets seed heads that look like dandelion blow-balls on steriods - that is if the finches and other seed eaters don't get to them first!

FataMorgana

I think it is Centaurea - the Greater Knapweed.
Thanks so much!