Cichorium intybus
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sik-KOR-ee-um IN-tye-bus
- Description
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Chicory was introduced from Europe and has become naturalized over much of the nation. It prefers cool weather and doesn't do well in heat and humidity. The roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute. It is weedy in fields, pastures and along roadsides and considered invasive in some states. The deep fleshy taproot exudes a milky sap when cut.
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cichorium
- Species:
- intybus
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe
- Edibility:
- Leaves can be used in salads. Roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Wildflower
- Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Description:
- oblong and 5-ribbed achene
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 1-1.5 inch flower heads with numerous bright blue rays are stalkless and grow along the stem. They are open in the morning and close up by noon unless it is cloudy.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Oblanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Entire
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are lance-shaped and resemble dandelion leaves at the base. Each leaf narrows gradually where it is either sessile or clasps the stem. There are usually conspicuous hairs along the central vein of the lower leaf surface.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Green to reddish-brown stems with the lower part having hairs
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Landscape:
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Problems:
- Weedy
- Plants that fill a similar niche:
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Stellaria pubera
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Amaranthus palmeri
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Ajuga pyramidalis
