Chicory, Wild (Cichorium intybus)

*Designated an invasive species in the following states, no sale: AK, CO, NM, KY, WV Wild Chicory, when flowering in mid to late summer, is a reaching gift of blue-purple blossoms that graces roadsides through much of North America. Known too as succory, this plant is closely related to Dandelion and displays leaves that have a similar appearance. Yet, there can be no confusing the two once the stiff Chicory stalks climb high to set seed, and erupt with an array of flowers. In some places, Cichorium intybus is referred to as ‘Blue Sailors.’ Their flowers only last for one day, opening early in the morning, and fading in the next five hours. By the day’s end, the plant seems to have lost all inflorescence— only to be shrouded in blue the very next morning. They are bee-pollinated, and will gladly take root even in poor soil conditions; their sturdy root system is beneficial in breaking apart compacted soil.  The roots of Chicory are touted as both a herb and a desirable edible; they ar