Chicory
Chicory (latin name Cichorium intybus) is in the large group of plants called composites--the daisy family. Like all members of this family its flowers occur in groups called heads (or composites). So what is often called a daisy flower is actually a whole group of tiny flowers. Like its close relative dandelion, the individual flowers in a chicory head are extremely non-symmetrical. Each tiny flower actually has five petals, fused together to make what appears to be one giant petal--note the five tiny lobes on each "petal" that show this.
Chicory (latin name Cichorium intybus) is in the large group of plants called composites--the daisy family. Like all members of this family its flowers occur in groups called heads (or composites). So what is often called a daisy flower is actually a whole group of tiny flowers. Like its close relative dandelion, the individual flowers in a chicory head are extremely non-symmetrical. Each tiny flower actually has five petals, fused together to make what appears to be one giant petal--note the five tiny lobes on each "petal" that show this.
Also like dandelion, chicory is naturalized--it is not native to North America but it behaves as though it might be. Many bees and other insects visit the flowers for nectar. Chichory does well in disturbed areas, near roadsides and paths. Some relatives of chicory have leaves that are used in salad. During times when coffee was in short supply, the roots of chicory were ground and used as a substitute. Chicory is combined with coffee to make the famous beverage served at the Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans.