Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Dynamic accumulator

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Cichorium intybus is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Eurasia and North Africa, easily identifiable by its sky-blue flowers. In agroforestry systems, its deep taproot acts as a dynamic accumulator, extracting nutrients from lower soil layers and helping to decompact the earth. Beyond its food value, it supports biodiversity by attracting various pollinating insects.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees chicory grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Full sun
Size: Herbaceous perennial up to 1.5 m
Mature diameter: 0.5 m
Soils: Clay, Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean, Mountain / cold

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Harvest — Planting
May — Harvest — Planting
June — Harvest
July
August
September — Harvest — Planting
October — Harvest — Planting
November — Harvest
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: Traditionally used to stimulate digestion and support liver function.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Hazelnut

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.