Chicory, scientifically known as Cichorium intybus, is a common herbaceous perennial plant found across North America and Europe. This resilient plant is recognizable by distinct physical characteristics that allow it to thrive in diverse environments. Identifying chicory requires observing its overall size, the shapes of its leaves, the unique structure of its flower, and its below-ground system. This guide provides a detailed visual description of this widespread roadside inhabitant.
General Stature and Common Habitats
The mature chicory plant typically stands between one and five feet tall, displaying a stiff, upright growth habit. Its posture is usually multi-branched, especially in the upper half where flowering occurs, giving it a somewhat bushy appearance. This structure allows the plant to efficiently capture sunlight.
Chicory is frequently encountered in environments with disturbed soil, such as along sunny roadsides, field edges, and abandoned waste areas. The plant favors uncultivated ground and is often seen in dense patches. The main stem can appear reddish or woody near its base in older specimens, contributing to its perennial nature.
Identifying the Leaves and Stems
A defining feature of chicory is the difference between its basal leaves and those higher on the stem. The basal leaves form a rosette close to the ground and are deeply lobed or sharply toothed, resembling dandelion foliage. These leaves can be quite large, sometimes exceeding eight inches in length, and are the first part of the plant to emerge in the spring.
As the plant grows taller, the upper leaves become significantly smaller and change shape. These leaves are typically alternate and lance-shaped, lacking the deep lobes of the basal rosette. They may have slightly toothed edges but are much less dissected than the lower foliage, often appearing almost entire.
The main stem is notable for its texture, often sparsely covered in stiff, short hairs or bristles that make it feel rough. The upper leaves often appear to clasp or hug the main stem directly where they emerge.
The Unmistakable Blue Flower
When in bloom, chicory is most easily identified by its distinctive flowers, which are usually a bright azure blue. Though blue is the most common shade, the flowers can occasionally appear in lighter hues, including white or pale pink, depending on local conditions. These flowers grow either directly attached to the stem, appearing stalkless in the leaf axils, or in small clusters along the upper branches.
Each flower head is relatively small, measuring about one to one-and-a-half inches across. It is composed entirely of ray florets, meaning the flower completely lacks the central disk florets typically seen in other members of the Asteraceae family. The delicate petals are often five-toothed at their tips, giving the flower a somewhat frayed appearance.
The flower has a diurnal nature, meaning it only opens for part of the day. The blossoms typically unfurl brightly in the morning light but reliably close by the afternoon. This closure also occurs on days with heavy cloud cover.
Understanding the Root System
The chicory plant is characterized by a robust and deeply penetrating taproot. This root is long, thick, and fleshy, often appearing pale yellowish-white when extracted from the soil, and can extend several feet deep. This deep structure allows the plant to survive extended dry periods.
If the stem or the root is broken, a milky white latex or sap immediately exudes from the injury point. This sticky fluid provides a simple identification cue. The toughness of the taproot allows the plant to firmly anchor itself in compacted substrates like roadside gravel.