Common chicory is a perennial herb of the aster family, ranging from 15 to 150 cm in height. It is quite commonly found along roadsides, in non-grassy areas, meadows, and mostly in loamy or sandy soils. It is also frequently cultivated.

The plant has a grayish-green color, and all parts of the plant contain latex. The flowers are light blue, occasionally pink or white.

Common chicory blooms from June to early September, with fruits ripening in August and September. The light blue flowers, occasionally white or pink, only open during the forenoon hours.

In folk medicine, the roots and leaves are used to stimulate stomach secretions and appetite, as a diuretic or mild laxative, and for treating liver and gallbladder diseases. Fresh chicory leaves are used in salads and are recommended for those with anemia due to their iron content. Roasted chicory roots are widely used as a coffee substitute.

Information sources: www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia, https://www.agfonds.lv