Perennials (sometimes flowering first year). Leaves: blades of basal 5–35+ × 1–8(–12+) cm; cauline similar, smaller, narrower, distal mostly linear. Peduncles mostly 0–2 mm, some narrowly clavate, 12–45(–85+) mm. Phyllaries: outer 5–6 lance-ovate to lanceolate, 4–7 mm, basally cartilaginous, distally herbaceous, inner 8+ lance-linear to linear, 6–12 mm, herbaceous, all usually with some gland-tipped hairs 0.5–0.8 mm on margins near bases or on abaxial faces toward tips. Cypselae 2–3 mm; pappi 0.01–0.2 mm. 2n = 18.
Phenology
apr-may (spring), jun-jul (summer)
Altitude range
0–1500 m;
Distribution
St. Pierre and MiquelonEuropeAsiaintroduced also in AfricaSouth America.USA Ark.USA Calif.USA Conn.USA Ill.USA Ind.USA IowaUSA Kans.USA MaineUSA Mass.USA Mich.USA Mo.USA Nev.USA N.H.USA N.Y.USA N.C.USA Pa.USA R.I.USA Tex.USA UtahUSA Vt.Canada Alta.Canada B.C.Canada Man.Canada N.B.Canada Nfld. and Labr.Canada N.S.Canada Ont.Canada P.E.I.Canada Que.Canada Sask.
Discussion
Leaves of Cichorium intybus are sometimes used as salad greens; the roasted roots are sometimes ground and used as an addition to (or adulterant of) coffee.
