Other common names
Blue daisy, blue sailors, coffeeweed, wild bachelor’s buttons, wild endive.
Scientific name
Cichorium intybus
Family
Asteraceae
Description
Chicory grows up to 3 or more feet tall, with most of the leaves growing at the base of the plant. This gives a skeleton-like appearance to the upper part of the plant. The leaves have been used as salad greens, and the root as a coffee substitute.
-
Leaves
Basal leaves are large and somewhat toothed or sometimes deeply lobed. Leaves are smooth or hairy. Upper leaves are small and have smooth edges or small lobes, and clasp the stem.
-
Stems
Erect, round and stiffly branched. The lower part of the stem is hairy. Stems are hollow and produce a milky sap when broken
Flowers
Blue or sometimes purple or white flowers occur in groups of one to three where leaves join the stems. The tips of the petals are squared off and toothed. Individual flowers only open for a single day.
-
Roots
Grows a deep taproot that oozes a bitter, milky sap when broken or cut.
Native to
Europe
Where it grows
Pastures, fence lines, poorly maintained turf, roadsides and disturbed sites; prefers moist conditions
Life cycle
Perennial (grows back each year from the roots)
Reproduction
Reproduces by seed.
Control methods
Chicory continues to be grown as a crop plant, so little information is available on control.
