June 20, 2007

Picture: Wildflowers in a Mug

vase of wildflowers
The mystery plant in the herb garden turned out to be chicory. In the winter it looked like lettuce, but with the warm weather it grew like a weed. Then the distinctive blue flowers appeared.

Turns out that not only can the roots be used in coffee, they are are high in inulin and are used as a sweetener. And the leaves are a variety of endive!

You often see chicory growing wild along roads and railroad tracks here in Virginia.

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