Cichorium

Cichorium - Chicory

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