Cichorium intybus

(Common Chicory)

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Cichorium intybus, South of La Veta, Huerfano Co. 6902

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Cichorium intybus, South of La Veta, Huerfano Co. 6886

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Cichorium intybus, North of Paonia, Delta Co. 2852

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Cichorium intybus, West Creek, Unaweep Canyon, Mesa Co. 8624

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Cichorium intybus, West Creek, Unaweep Canyon, Mesa Co. 8637

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Cichorium intybus, South of La Veta, Huerfano Co. 6904

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Cichorium intybus, West Creek, Unaweep Canyon, Mesa Co. 8639

Scientific Name Cichorium intybus USDA PLANTS Symbol CIIN
Common Name Common Chicory ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 36763
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (4200 to 7000 ft.); dry to moist soils along roadsides, disturbed areas and meadows.
Plant: Tall, herbacious, erect, branching perennial 16 to 40 inches tall, but may be taller.
Leaves: Basal and alternating stem leaves, 2 to 14 inches long, lower leaves lanceolate, elliptic or oblanceolate overall becoming linear further up; pinnatifid or with toothed margins; lower leaves sessile, becoming clasping upwards.
Inflorescence: Long spike-like open branching panicles with flower heads widely spaced along the stalks; flowerheads 1 to 1-1/2 inches across, sessile, subtended by short leafy, green triangular bracts; 10 to 20 light blue to white ray florets each with 5 small teeth at tips; several light blue stamens with blue anthers in center; no disk florets.
Bloom Period: June to October.
References: Illinois Wildflowers, SEINet, and "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced
NOXIOUS WEED

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains