Wild Chickory

Last week I posted about the season's last fling. I went for a walk along the Nooksack River following an early fall rain. Blue skies were just a hint on the horizon, and along the trail there were some beautiful flowers reflecting their hue. I stopped to take some pictures. I even captured a buzzing bee gathering a last bit of nectar. I thought the flowers were a beautiful reminder of the summer just past.

I did some research and learned that Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a weed that is native to Europe and the Middle East. It was later introduced to North America and has now become "naturalized" to our locale.

I've heard about Chicory from my parents who had to drink it as a coffee substitute during World War II. But I never made the connection to this lovely flower, or the fact that it is related to cultivated versions such as Belgian endive and radicchio.

So if you are out walking or hiking this Spring, keep an eye out for this lovely blue flower. -- Margy