Wildflower Photos: Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

Although an "alien" species, the sky-blue petals of Chicory are a summer delight. Like a morning glory, these flowers are open early in the morning, and are closed by midday. They thrive along roadsides and other "waste" sites of disturbed ground.

According to Tom Brown, Jr., the chicory plant has a number of edible and medicinal uses. The dried, roasted and ground roots can be steeped in boiling water for a coffee-like hot drink. The young leaves can be boiled for a delicious spinach substitute. Boiling the roots, leaves and flowers makes a tea that provides relief from skin irritations like bee stings and poison ivy rashes, as well as from cold sores, upset stomach, and as a general health tonic.

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