Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon

The English poet, dramatist and essayist Abraham Cowley (1618 - 1667) wrote the following about the Goat’s-Beard plant;

The goat's beard, which each morn abroad doth peep

But shuts its flowers at noon and goes to sleep.

Though is normally called "Goats Beard", this showy wild flower is also known as; Jack-go-to-bedat-noon, Noon flower, Western Salsify.  The flower is closely related to Hawk weed and seeds itself like a dandelion.  Except for overcasted days, the flower closes around mid day.