You most likely encountered salsify, a plant that has flower heads similar in appearance to those of dandelions, but considerably larger. Many refer to them as giant dandelions because of their large flower heads that look similar to those of dandelions.

Salsify, also known as oyster plant or vegetable oyster, is a dandelion look-alike with its fluffy spherical seed head and slender stalk. Native to Mediterranean regions, salsify has vibrant yellow flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon, just like dandelions.