Chicory
Cichorium intybus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Chicory as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Native alternatives to Chicory
Chicory is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Chicory is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Chicory is a tall perennial herb with bright blue daisy-like flowers that bloom through summer and fall. This European species has naturalized across North America and can grow quite tall with a somewhat lanky appearance. The flowers are attractive but the plant tends to have an informal, weedy growth habit.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chicory takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Often perceived as a roadside weed
- Can self-seed aggressively
- Tall, informal growth habit looks unkempt
Wildlife value
The bright blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Seeds also provide food for birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Chicory need?
- Chicory grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Chicory bloom?
- Chicory blooms in July, August, and September.
- Is Chicory toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Chicory as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Chicory attract?
- Chicory draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Chicory HOA-friendly?
- Chicory takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Chicory? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.