Chicory

Chicory

Chicory Cichorium intybus has leaves at the base of the stem like a dandelion and the flowering stalk grows about a metre high. Bright blue flowering heads are attached to the stem directly without little stalks of their own (sessile). Like other members in the Dandelion tribe Chicory has flowering heads made up of strap-like florets which contain both male and female flower parts. Flowers in this species may also be white or rarely pink. The roots, like those of the Dandelion, can be roasted to make a coffee substitute. [CH] {GW}