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Native Plant Alternatives to Cichorium intybus (Chicory)

Native Plants, Invasive Plants, Cichorium intybus, Chicory, Blue Sailors, Barbe de Capucin, Blue Dandelion, Bunk, Coffee Weed, French Endive, Succory, Witloof, Whitloof

Cichorium intybus, commonly known as chicory, can be weedy and is naturalized in many parts of the world. Originally native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, it has been introduced to other continents, including North America, Australia, and Asia.

Chicory is a perennial herb with a deep taproot, light blue flowers, and leaves that can be used in salads or as a potherb. The roots are sometimes roasted and used as a coffee substitute or additive.

The plant is quite hardy and can grow in a variety of conditions, from poor soils to disturbed sites, roadsides, and pastures. Because it produces a large number of seeds that can be spread by wind and remain viable in the soil for several years, chicory can spread easily and establish in new areas.

Chicory is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Native Plants United States

U.S. Native Plant Alternatives to Cichorium intybus (Chicory)

Campanula rotundifolia (Bluebell)
Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur)
Linum lewisii (Prairie Flax)
Penstemon cobaea (Prairie Beardtongue)
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Penstemon grandiflorus (Large Beardtongue)
Penstemon mensarum (Grand Mesa Beardtongue)
Penstemon pinifolius (Pine-needle Beardtongue)
Penstemon spectabilis (Showy Beardtongue)
Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain Beardtongue)
Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Blue Wood Aster)
Symphyotrichum laeve (Smooth Aster)

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United States
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Native Plants United States
Guides with
United States

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