Chicory

Cichorium intybus
Family: Asteraceae

Growth Habit: Chicory has a long, thick taproot which was originally used for human consumption. With dark green leaves, rigid and grooved stems and bright blue daisy:like flowers it is easy to identify.

Type of Plant: Chicory is an erect perennial herb that can grow up to 120cm in height.

Flowers: Bright blue daisy-like flowers bloom in summer and autumn.

Fruit/Seed: Reproduces by seed.

Dispersal: Seed is readily dispersed by wind. Fragments of the tap root disturbed by roadside grading or similar mechanical intervention may also regrow.

Distribution: Roadsides, run down pastures, disturbed sites and wastelands. Best spotted in summer and autumn when it is flowering.

Status: Undeclared in Tasmania.

Weed Impact:

  • Chicory has minimal economic impact.

For further information contact the Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment, Tasmania.

Control Methods:

  • Grubbing (all year). Carefully remove entire plant. If seed heads are present, burn.
  • Herbicide (summer, spring and autumn). Herbicides registered in Tasmania include triclopyr and glyphosate.

N.B. Always check the herbicide label before use.