Weed of the Week

6-23-08

Chicory, Cichorium intybus

                 

Photo credits: Copy write Al Schneider.  Southwest Colorado Wildflowers.  United States, CO, NM, AZ, UT.  Howard, R.A.

 Characteristics:

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region

Description:

• Perennial

• Stems contain a milky juice

• Grows with a deep taproot

Stems:

• 1-6 feet tall

• Spreading branch system

Flowers:

• Blue to purple

• 1.5" wide

• Appear in mid Summer (July-September)

• Petals are square with the tip toothed

Leaves:

• 2-10 inches long

• Leaves rough

• Basal leaves in a rosette often pinnately parted

Fruit:

• Weakly angled and ribbed tipped with minute scales

Additional information:

Widespread along roadsides and fields.  It was initially planted for use as a salad green and coffee substitute (roots).

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