Habitat and Range
Chicory inhabits roadside ditches and shrubby slopes exposed to lots of sun. California Chicory is limited to elevations below 4600 ft but exists throughout the Sierra Nevada.
Physical Description
This perennial herb grows from 1-6 ft tall on an erect stem that begins to branch in the upper half. The Chicory stem bleeds a milky juice when cut. The roughly lanceolate and dentate leaves of the young plant are arranged in a basal rosette. As the plant grows tall and branches, it produces shorter leaves that are barely noticeable. The inflorescence is a head with blue to purple ray flowers. The ligule (or petal of the ray flower) is usually truncate (or cut off) at the tip and obviously serrate at the same end. This is a distinguishing characteristic of the plant.
Food Uses
Ground and roasted, the taproot makes a decent coffee substitute, but lacks caffeine. The greens were historically used in salads.
Medicinal Uses
Chicory has better use as an herb and can be sprouted from seed in your home garden fairly easily. Its medicinal quality is relatively weak. However it acts as a diuretic helping rid the system of excess water and possible toxins. It also acts as a laxative and liver stimulant. Chicory is a great herb to try if you need to flush mild toxins out of your system.
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