Chicory

Chicory is an herbaceous perennial or biennial in the Asteraceae (daisy/aster) family. In its first year of growth it produces a basal rosette. In its second year of growth, it produces erect stems from a basal rosette that may reach between 2 to 4 feet tall. These stems are hollow and stiff and are branched in a zig-zag pattern. Leaves are primarily basal, lanceolate or petiolate and wide. Leaves become smaller and more sparse up the stem. Chicory flowers from late spring to late summer. Flowers occur at nodes along the stems. Flowers are composite flowers consisting of clusters of light blue to purple ray flowers. These flowers are approximately 1 inch across, and ray flowers are fringed at the tips. Only a few flowers open each day. Chicory has a deep taproot. Seeds are light brown and oblong with a fringe on one end.

Chicory is native to Europe and was likely introduced to North America as forage. It spreads by seeds. It is primarily found along roadsides, industrial and disturbed sites, and in pastures.

Prevention and cultural control strategies should be utilized as much as possible. There are no biological controls for chicory currently available in Teton County.

Because chicory has a taproot, it can be readily managed by hand pulling or digging out the root. Mowing and grazing will not eradicate stands of chicory, but they can be beneficial in preventing flower production and depleting energy stores in the taproot. Do not mow while seeds are present.

• Chicory (Chichorium intybus). (2009) Rangeland, pasture, and riparian site recommendations. Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Chicory (Cichorium intybus). (2021) Mangold, Jane. Monthly Weed Post. Montana State University Extension.
• Chicory. Illinois Grazing Manual Fact Sheet. (2003). United States Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service.