Chicory

(Chicorium intybus)

Chicory, a simple perennial, reproduces only by seed. The plant has a deep fleshy root and tufted basal leaves that resemble those of a dandelion. The stem is multi-branched and can reach over five feet tall. The flowers are bright blue, purple, or occasionally white, and occur along the stems of the plant.

The plant is closely related to the cultivated endive and is grown in some areas for the succulent leaves and the fleshy roots. The roots are dried and used as a substitute for coffee. Other names for chicory are succory, blue daisy, blue sailors, and coffeeweed. Chicory is known to be well-established in Parachute, and rapidly spreading throughout other parts of Garfield County.