The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

CHICORY

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) or wild succory as it is also known, is a perennial herb of the family Compositae native to Europe and West Asia where it grows on chalky soils, it has a long tap root and a stiffly erect, branched, angled and furrowed stem and large, usually blue, flowers. The leaves in the basal rosette are stalked, deeply pinnately toothed and hairy beneath. The stem leaves are sessile and lanceolate. Its long tap root is used dried and roasted as a coffee substitute. As a garden vegetable, grown under cover, its blanched leaves are used in salads. It is related to endive.
Research Chicory