Cichorium Intybus is a perennial, herbaceous plant generally found at the side of paths and roads and growing in dry meadows. It flowers from June until September.
Flowers are blue but can be pink or white.
Wild chicory originally comes from the Mediteranean region, although it is now widespread in Europe. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew of Cichorium Intybus. The chicory head, with the young leaves kept white by being covered in earth, has long been used as a salad. All parts of the plant contain a bitter tasting, milky white juice. Because of this, chicory is counted among those plants that can stimulate the appetite.