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Common chicory

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Common chicory

1

Robust biennial with upright growth habit, reaching 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.

2

Distinctive blue flowers with ligulate heads and toothed rays, blooming from mid-summer to frost.

3

Fruit is a small achene with brown color, oblong shape, and ring of bristles on one end.

4

Alternate lance-shaped leaves up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, sessile or clasping stem.

5

Sturdy stem exuding milky sap, covered in fine hairs, reaching up to 5 feet (150 cm).

Common chicoryCommon chicoryCommon chicoryCommon chicoryCommon chicory

Detailed Traits of Common chicory

Leaf Features

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.

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Flower Features

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.

Common chicory Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Capitulum/Head

Common chicory Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

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.

Common chicory Stem image
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Fruit Features

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.

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Key Facts About Common chicory

Attributes of Common chicory
Lifespan
Perennial, Biennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 1.4 m
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Blue
White
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Cream
Copper
Tan
Stem Color
Green
Red
Brown
White
Pink
Blue
Burgundy
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Common chicory

Family
Daisy
Icon allow
Species
Common chicory (Cichorium intybus)
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Distribution Map of Common chicory

The common chicory is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, but it has been introduced throughout all continents except Antarctica. It naturally occurs in disturbed sites and grasslands. Though it's cultivated as a forage crop or ornamental around the world, it is considered a noxious weed in Colorado and New Mexico (USA) and potentially invasive in Alaska, Kentucky, and West Virginia (USA).
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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