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How to identify Common chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Common chicory, also known as Wild succory, Blue dandelion
Common chicory is a robust biennial that grows typically to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm) and spreads about 1 foot (30 cm) wide. It features striking blue flowers that are commonly seen in areas of disturbance such as roadsides. This plant is distinguishable by its deep fleshy taproot, which releases a milky sap if cut. Tall and slender, common chicory possesses a sturdy stem and simple leaves with slightly serrated edges, presenting an upright growth habit.
Robust biennial with upright growth habit, reaching 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.
Distinctive blue flowers with ligulate heads and toothed rays, blooming from mid-summer to frost.
Fruit is a small achene with brown color, oblong shape, and ring of bristles on one end.
Alternate lance-shaped leaves up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, sessile or clasping stem.
Sturdy stem exuding milky sap, covered in fine hairs, reaching up to 5 feet (150 cm).
The alternate leaves of common chicory are lance-shaped, measuring up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) across, becoming smaller up the stem. They resemble dandelion leaves at the base. The leaves gradually narrow and are either sessile or clasp the stem. Margins are variable, ranging from lobed to dentate. As they ascend the stem, they lose their petioles and clasp the stem. Conspicuous hairs are found along the central vein of the lower leaf surface.
Common chicory flowers are characterized by their 1-1.5 inch (2.5-3.8 cm) ligulate flower heads adorned with numerous bright blue rays. The rays have blunt, toothed edges, which add to their distinctive appearance. These stalkless flowers grow directly along the stem and bloom from mid-summer until the first frost. They open in the morning and close by noon unless it's cloudy. This unique blooming pattern makes them a fascinating sight for plant enthusiasts.
The stem of common chicory is characterized by an erect posture, with a color ranging from green to reddish-brown. The lower part of the stem is covered with fine hairs, while the entire stem exudes a milky sap when cut. Its texture is slightly rough due to the presence of these hairs. The stem can reach up to 5 feet (150 cm) in height and frequently branches out, especially in the upper sections.
The fruit of common chicory is a small, tough achene, characterized by its brown color and an oblong shape with five pronounced ribs. It has a length of approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm). Each achene is tipped with blunt ends, and the wider end is adorned with a ring of short bristles, giving it a distinctive appearance. These bristles form a tuft that's easily recognizable upon close inspection. The texture of the achene is smooth with a matte finish.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Common chicory