Checking Out a Chicory Plant

In this photo Science Cat is checking out a chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) that we picked from the side of the road and then planted in our garden. This plant, which is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, was introduced into the United States for medicinal and gastronomic reasons in the 18th century and then escaped into the wild. One interesting thing about this plant is that chicory roots when roasted taste like coffee, so they have been added to coffee in times of shortages to makes coffee supplies last longer, and in some cases replaced coffee altogether. Another interesting thing is that the plant grows mostly in disturbed sites such as the side of roads and railroads or abandoned fields, but not in undisturbed natural areas.

Note: the photo belongs to the author and can only be used with permission.
​