Cichorium intybus Silvatica da Campo
Nomenclature
Latin NameCichorium intybus
VarietySilvatica da Campo
Common name in English and GermanWild chicory, Schnittzichorie
Regional namesChicory (English), Common chicory (English), Succory (English), Chicorée sauvage (French), Chicon (French), Wegwarte (German), Zichorie (German), Cicoria comune (Italian), Achicoria (Spanish), Almeirão (Portuguese), Chicória (Portuguese), Witlof (Dutch), Sigorei (Afrikaans), Cikorie (Danish), Cikoria (Swedish), Vägvårda (Swedish), Sikori (Finnish), Harilik sigur (Estonian), Parastais cigoriņš (Latvian), Paprastoji trūkažolė (Lithuanian), Cykoria podróżnik (Polish), Čekanka obecná (Czech), Cikória (Slovak), Mezei katáng (Hungarian), Cikória (Hungarian), Divlja vodopija (Croatian), Radić (Croatian), Cikorija (Serbian), Синя жлъчка [Sinya zhlachka] (Bulgarian), Цикорій дикий [Tsykoriy dykyy] (Ukrainian), Петрові батоги [Petrovi batohy] (Ukrainian), Цикорий обыкновенный [Tsikoriy obyknovennyy] (Russian), Ճարճատուկ սովորական [Tcharchatuk sovorakan] (Armenian), ვარდკაჭაჭα [Vardkach'ach'a] (Georgian), 菊苣 [Jú jù] (Chinese), キクニガナ [Kikunigana] (Japanese), कासनी [Kasni] (Hindi), هندباء برية [hindiba' bariya] (Arabic), کاسنی [Kasni] (Persian), Hindiba (Turkish), Cải ô rô (Vietnamese)
Geographic data
Variety’s range of distributionSouth Italy, Sicily
Crop's center of diversityMediterranean, Europe, Southwest Asia (Near East)
Provenance and collection data
CollectionHardy annuals and bi-annuals
Seed sourceSpore's partner
PartnerAterraterra
ProgrammeAterraterra
Cultivation
Life cycleBiannual
Winter hardyYes
Months suitable for planting seedsMarch, April, May, June, July, August
Seed startingOutdoor
Days to harvest40
Growth habitHerb
Stem orientationDecumbent, Upright
Use as ground coverRosette
Plant height (cm)30
Sun exposureFull sun, Partial shade
Water RequirementsRainfed
Soil preferenceHighly adaptable, Well drained
Successional communityPioneering, Grassland
Potential use in agro-designCicory is considered to be a dynamic accumulator, bringing nutrients – potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) – from deeper layers of soil to the surface.
This plant is excellent for foraging and spreads easily throughout the garden. If planted in a shady and moist area, its bolting and flowering can be delayed.
Reseeds itself.
Reproduction
PollinationCross pollinating
Reproductive biologyBisexual flower
Likelihood of hybridisationVery likely
Use
Consumable partsLeaves, Roots
Medicinal actionAnti-inflamatory, Hepatic, Bitter
Parts used medicinally and their effectChicory is a culinary and medicinal plant, It's root has high inulin content and hepatoprotective properties. Both roots and leaves function as a prebiotic, supporting gut bacteria and digestive health. Its compounds assist in liver detoxification and the reduction of elevated enzymes, while its anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for joint pain and osteoarthritis.
Gastronomic useWidely used in Mediterranean kitchen as a seasonal vegetable, simmered with olive oil, garlic and lemon. Fried with eggs into fritatta.