Chicory has good seedling vigor and a relatively deep taproot which provides tolerance to drought.
It provides both spring and summer forage growth for livestock. Unlike most forage crops, it is an herb rather than either a grass or a legume. Chicory produces leafy growth which, if managed properly, is similar in nutritive value and mineral content to alfalfa or cool-season grasses. It is highly palatable to livestock. This plant is usually grazed, but can also be used to improve the quality of a silage mixture.