Chicory

Chicory  (Cichorium)

Chicory (Cichorium) is a genus of perennials closely related to Endive. In bad times they used to make a coffee substitute from the burnt roots of Chicory. The new leaves of Chicory are edible and can be used in salads. The plants have a tap-root and like to be in the full sun. Chicory tolerates salt and therefore is a good garden plant for along the coast alongside for instance Thrift (Armeria) and Sea Kale (Crambe). The flowers of Chicory are a splendid blue.