CHICORY
Cichorium intybus
Plant Characteristics
Height:
1' - 6'
Stem:
Hairy, green to brown
Leaves:
Up to 8” long and spreadout along stem
Flower:
Sky blue, daisy-like, open in morning and close when sunlight increases at noon
Bloom Time:
July to October
Chicory looks similar to the native species, Showy Blue Lettuce (pictured below). It is a smaller plant and remains scattered during early establishment. Within a few short years it can show up in masses, with little warning. This is an easier plant to manage in early stages as it is small and has many mechanisms or eradication.
Spot Spray
Spot spray during growing season.
Cut
Cut flower heads before they go to seed.
Hand Pull
Hand pull when soil is moist.
Mow
Mow in early spring.
Cultural Plant Alternatives:
Showy Blue Lettuce
These blue daisy like flowers look similar to those of the chicory plant but are much smaller. Leaves were traditionally used as food and the milky sap used as gum. Decoctions of the roots can be used for body pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cup Plant
The cup plant prefers moist soils and partial shade. The flowers are bold and cheery, like a sunflower. The root stock of this plant was commonly used in smoke treatments for colds in the head and morning sickness. It was also used in the vapor bath.
