Chicory

Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District

Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Aster family (Asteraceae)
Blooms June - mid-October

The non-native (Eurasia) Chicory is very common in our area. This annual or biennial "weed", grows on roadsides and other disturbed areas. It is usually 1½–3' high, branching occasionally. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. The upper stems terminate in long inflorescence that are either spike-like or open branching panicles. The flowers, widely spaced along the flowering stalks, are about 1-1½" across with 10-20 light blue, fading to white, ray florets.

Chicory along Route 71 July 4, 2012

The Chicory flowers bloom during the morning, and close-up later in the day, unless the skies are cloudy.

Chicory (white mutation) along Minkler Road August 29, 2013

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