Cichorium intybus L.
Belgium Endive
Chicory is a tall, somewhat gaunt perennial with stiff, wiry, branching stems and clear sky-blue flowerheads that open in the morning and often close by afternoon. The lower leaves are deeply lobed, resembling those of a dandelion, while the upper stem is nearly leafless, giving the plant an airy, sculptural look in flower.
About
Chicory is a tall, somewhat gaunt perennial with stiff, wiry, branching stems and clear sky-blue flowerheads that open in the morning and often close by afternoon. The lower leaves are deeply lobed, resembling those of a dandelion, while the upper stem is nearly leafless, giving the plant an airy, sculptural look in flower.
Long naturalised in Britain and grown since antiquity, it is now generally regarded as an introduced rather than a truly native species, found on roadsides, rough grassland and waste ground on dry, free-draining soils, especially over chalk, in full sun. It flowers through summer, and its blue daisies are well worked by bees and hoverflies. As well as its ornamental value in meadow-style and pollinator mixes, it is widely cultivated as a forage and salad plant, and its roasted root has a long history as a coffee additive.
Also known as
Blue Sailors · Bunk Chicory · Chickory · Chicory · Coffeeweed · French Endive · Succory · Wild Chicory · Witloof
Synonyms
? glabrum · Cichorium balearicum · Cichorium byzanthinum · Cichorium caeruleum · Cichorium callosum · Cichorium casnia · Cichorium cicorea · Cichorium commune · Cichorium cosnia · Cichorium divaricatum · Cichorium glabratum
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.