CICHORIUM intybus (Chicory)
CICHORIUM intybus (Chicory) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa but has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.
Chicory typically grows to a height of 30-100 cm and has a deep taproot that can reach up to 1.5 meters in length. The plant produces numerous blue flowers, which are arranged in clusters and bloom from mid-summer to autumn. The leaves are smooth and hairless, with toothed or lobed margins, and are often used as a salad green or cooked as a vegetable.
Chicory is also known for its root, which is roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute that is low in caffeine and has a slightly bitter taste. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, laxative, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chicory is a hardy plant that grows well in a variety of soil types and can tolerate both drought and flooding. It is often grown as a cover crop and is also used as forage for livestock. In addition, the plant has been shown to have a number of ecological benefits, including attracting beneficial insects and improving soil quality.
| Number of Seeds | Max Coverage Area (Square Ft.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1OZ | 25,000 | 500 |
| 1/4LB | 100,000 | 2,000 |
| 1/2LB | 200,000 | 4,000 |
| 1LB | 400,000 | 8,000 |
| 5LB | 2,000,000 | 40,000 |
Scientific Name: Cichorium Intybus
Common Name: Chicory
Plant Type: Herbs, Perennials
Family: Asteraceae
Native Range: Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa
Full Growth Height: 2-4 ft
Spread: 1-2 ft
Zone: 3 to 8
Exposure: Full Sun
Blooming Season: Spring (Late), Summer, Fall
Pollinator: Humming Birds, Bees, Butterflies
Flower: Showy
Attracts: Butterflies
Flower Color: Sky Blue
Tolerate: Deer
Water Requirement: Average
Soil Type: Well-drained, Sand, Loam, Chalk
Garden Uses: Cottage Gardens, Coastal Gardens, Meadows