Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Description:

This introduced plant is usually 1½–3′ high, branching occasionally. The stems are variously colored, ranging from green to reddish brown. The lower stems can be quite hairy, while the upper [Close-up of Flowerheads] stems are nearly hairless. The alternate leaves are up to 8″ long and 2″ across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are lanceolate or oblanceolate in overall shape, and either pinnately lobed or dentate, the upper leaves having smoother margins. Each leaf narrows gradually to a petiole-like base, where it is either sessile or clasps the stem. There are usually conspicuous hairs along the mid-vein of the lower leaf surface. The upper stems terminate in a long inflorescence that is either spike-like, or an open branching panicle. Widely spaced along the flowering stems, are sessile or nearly sessile flowerheads with short triangular bracts. These flowerheads consist of 10-20 spreading ray florets that are light blue, fading to white – they are about 1–1½” across. For each ray floret, there is a light blue stamen, terminating in a blue anther. There are 5 small teeth at the tip of each ray floret. The flowerheads bloom during the morning, and close-up later in the day, unless the skies are cloudy. The blooming period can occur from early summer to early fall, depending on the weather and the timing of disturbances (such as occasional mowing). The achenes are oblong and 5-ribbed, with small scales at the top. The root system consists of a stout taproot. Common Chicory spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation:

This plant appears to prefer full sun and a heavy soil that contains clay or gravel. It is typically found in locations that are mesic to dry, and withstands drought rather well. The foliage can appear rather battered-looking by the end of a hot, dry summer.

Distribution Map:

Range & Habitat:

Common Chicory has been reported in nearly all areas of Illinois, except a few counties in the NW and SE portions of the state (see Distribution Map). It is quite possible that Common Chicory occurs in those counties as well. This plant originated from Europe and Asia, and was present in

[Close-up of Leaf] Illinois by the late 19th century. It has been spreading steadily ever since and has become common, particularly in disturbed open areas. Typical habitats include pastures, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, grassy areas that are not mowed regularly, undeveloped real estate lots, and other waste areas. Occasionally, Common Chicory invades disturbed areas of natural habitats (e.g., early stages of a prairie restoration), but it is not a serious invader of such natural areas in the long run.

Faunal Associations:

The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various kinds of insects, including both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, Syrphid flies, Thick-headed flies, beetles, and the occasional butterfly. Because the foliage contains a bitter white latex, it probably is not a preferred food source of mammalian herbivores, although cattle and sheep reportedly eat the basal leaves.

Comments:

The roots of Common Chicory have been roasted to create a coffee-substitute; they are also used as an ingredient some herbal teas. The flowerheads are very beautiful, but short-lived. This species is easy to identify because of the appearance of these flowerheads – they are a lovely light blue, whereas similar plants in the Aster family usually have yellow flowerheads. However, some Lactuca spp. (Wild Lettuces) have flowerheads consisting of light blue ray florets. These latter species produce achenes with tufts of hair, whereas the achenes of Wild Chicory have only small scales.