Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Linnaeus, 1753 |
Synonyms: Cichorium balearicum, Cichorium byzantinum, Cichorium caeruleum (see The Plant List for more synonyms), common chicory, blue dandelion, coffeeweed |
Cichorium intybus is native to Eurasia (from the British Isles to Siberia and India) and North Africa; introduced in South Africa, North and South America, China, Australia, and elsewhere. It usually grows on roadsides and in other disturbed sites; 0-1,500 m. This is a perennial herb with hairy stem, 30-100 cm tall; the leaves are lanceolate. The flower heads are 2-4 cm wide, light blue, lavender, rarely white or pink. It flowers from April to October. The fruit is an achene.