Chic Chic Chicory
Chicory, a Mediterranean plant, is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia was introduced to the United States. It's a hardy plant. Common Chicory is known by a variety of names including: blue daisy, blue dandelion, blue sailors, blue weed, bunk, coffee weed, cornflower, hindbeh, horseweed, ragged sailors, succory, wild bachelor's buttons, and wild endive.
In rural Michigan, Chicory adds a touch of wild roadside beauty.
In my neck of the woods, Chicory grows in front of brush, along fence-rows and roadways. It's positioned close to shade, catching just a bit of sun. The plants seem frail compared to the brush which appears to provide support and a windbreak. It also grows in my lawn and doesn't seem to mind frequent trimmings.
Chicory is edible and commercially cultivated and seeds are available on line. It is commonly used in green salads and coffee. I once sampled coffee with Chicory. When thinking about Chicory I imagine nature with a slight smile, shrug and finger wiggle!
