Cichorium intybus
Chicory
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Cichorium intybus (Chicory) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by European genus widely naturalized; chicory is the only species of this Old World genus established in California.
Chicory is a naturalized perennial herb found in the California Floristic Province and northern Desert Mountains (Panamint Range) in disturbed places and roadsides at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to October, this plant produces distinctive blue flowers with pink or white variations, featuring striking dark blue anthers in delicate ligule formations. Growing from a deep woody taproot with erect stems 40 to 200 centimeters tall, it develops stout ascending branches and appears glabrous to short-bristly, especially near the base. Its proximal leaves are broadly oblong to elliptic, ranging from nearly entire to coarsely pinnately lobed. The small fruits are 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters long, topped with minimal pappus scales less than half a millimeter in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: European genus widely naturalized; chicory is the only species of this Old World genus established in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Roadsides, disturbed places
Elevation: < 1500 m
Outside California: widespread in North America, native to Europe
Bloom period
Cichorium intybus blooms Apr-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Stephanomeria: Chicory has bright blue flowers; Stephanomeria has pink-lavender flowers; vs Lactuca: Chicory seeds have short scales like a flat crown; Lactuca seeds have long feathery bristles; vs Rafinesquia: Chicory has bright blue flowers; Rafinesquia has white or cream flowers; vs Phacelia: Chicory has only strap-shaped ray flowers; Phacelia has tubular bell-shaped flowers
Frequently asked questions
Is Cichorium intybus native to California?
No. Cichorium intybus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Cichorium intybus bloom?
Cichorium intybus blooms Apr-Oct.
What plant family does Cichorium intybus belong to?
Cichorium intybus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Cichorium.
What habitat does Cichorium intybus grow in?
Cichorium intybus grows in Common. Roadsides, disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.