Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

The Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a member of the Asteracaea or Aster family.  It is a taprooted perennial which grows between 1- and 6-feet tall with a milky sap.  The leaves are alternate, the lower ones being toothed or pinnately lobed from 3- to 10-inches long and 0.4- to 3-inches wide.  The upper leaves are much smaller.  The flowers, to 1.6-inches wide, are borne in the upper leaf axils and usually open only in the morning.  The flowers are pale blue (rarely white).  It is found in disturbed areas, especially roadsides throughout the eastern US.  It was introduced from Eurasia flowering from June to October.  The root is used to flavor coffee in may countries.