Other
Names: coffeeweed, blue
sailors, succory
USDA
Code: CIIN
Legal
Status: Colorado List C
Identification
Growth
form: Perennial forb
Flower:
Flowers are born in the axils of the upper leaves. Flowers
are 1.5 inches in diameter, usually blue, but are
occasionally purple or white.
Seeds/Fruit:
Fruits are ribbed and tipped
by a crown of minute scales.
Leaves:
Basal leaves are rough, 2-10
inches long, lance-shaped, toothed or pinnately parted.
Upper leaves are smaller, alternate, stalkless, clasping the
stem, with undivided margins.
Stems:
Mature plants range in size from 1-6 feet tall. Stems are
erect and branched above.
Roots:
Plants grow from a deep taproot.
Seedling:
No information available.
Other:
The entire plant exudes a milky juice when broken.
Similar
Species
Exotics:
None
Natives:
Chicory can be distinguished from blue lettuce (Lactuca
pulchella) by its more branched growth pattern, and
flowers which are essentially stalkless.
Impacts
Agricultural:
Although it is grown as a hay
crop in Europe, dairy products from cows which eat it may
have a bitter taste (Stubbendieck et al. 1995).
Ecological:
Chicory is a ruderal species
that invades disturbed areas.
Human:
Milky latex may cause
dermatitis.
Habitat
and Distribution
General
requirements: Chicory is
widespread along roadsides and in disturbed areas. It can
adapt to a wide range of soils and environmental conditions.
Distribution:
Common throughout North America
Historical:
Chicory is a native of the
Mediterranean region. It is often planted for use as salad
greens and the root used as a substitute for or additive to
coffee (Whitson et al. 1996).
Biology/Ecology
Life
cycle: Flowering occurs from
July to September.
Mode
of reproduction: Reproduces by
seeds.
Integrated
Management Summary
This
perennial weed is difficult to eliminate. Because it prefers
disturbed areas, the maintenance of healthy plant
communities and revegetation of disturbed areas can help
prevent the spread of chicory. Combine preventive measures
with mechanical and chemical control.
References
Dow
AgroSciences. 1998. Chicory-biennials/perennials. Dow
AgroSciences. The Ranch, Pasture Improvement. Available:
http://www.dowagro.com/theranch/weedres.htm
Whitson,
T.D.(ed.), L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E.
Nelson, R.D. Lee, R. Parker. 1996. Chicory. Weeds of
the West. Western Society of Weed Science, in
cooperation with the Western United States Land Grant
Universities Cooperative Extension Services, Newark CA.
pg. 106.
