Leaf type: Elongated, lanceolate, oval with a pointed tip, notched, pinnately dissected, pinnately divided, pinnately lobed, toothed, heart-shaped base
Leaf margin: Smooth
Phyllotaxis: Alternate, rosette-like (basal leaves)
Colour: Green, reddish
Life cycle: Perennial
Distinctive features
The appearance and leaf shape of Cichorium intybus vary considerably depending on where it grows. In urban areas, where it is regularly mowed or cut back, the plants usually remain small. In this form, only the basal leaves and lower stem leaves are visible.
Where it can grow undisturbed, Cichorium intybus becomes much taller, often reaching over one meter (3 ft). These plants also produce the “upper” stem leaves, although botanically they are actually the middle stem leaves, as the uppermost parts of the stems bear only flowers.
Basal leaves
The deeply divided, toothed to lobed basal leaves form a rosette. They either lie flat on the ground or stand partly upright. In sunny locations they may develop a reddish color. Both the upper and lower surfaces are more or less hairy.
Upper and middle leaves, stem leaves
The lower stem leaves are narrow and lance shaped, with slightly toothed or shallowly lobed margins. The middle leaves range from pointed oval to broadly lance shaped. Their bases are heart shaped and partly clasp the stem.
Growth habit & biology
Cichorium intybus is a perennial plant that can exceed one meter (3 ft) in height when flowering. The flowering stems branch extensively in their upper parts.
Distribution & habitates
Its native range includes most of Europe and extends into North Africa and western Asia. As a cultivated plant, Cichorium intybus has also been introduced to many other regions and is now found on every continent (source).
Its habitats include roadsides, meadows, pastures, fields, construction sites, embankments, and slopes. Cichorium intybus is also common in urban environments.
Botany
Common chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is the wild ancestor of belgian endive, radicchio, and sugarloaf chicory, and is also closely related to endive (Cichorium endivia).
