Warm Season Perennial
Chicory is a short lived perennial with a strong deep fibrous tap root. Year one, it produces a rosette, in year two it puts up an upright shoot. In year two when it starts to flower, it will do so for long time throughout the summer. Plants are leafy and are attractive to grazing animals. Regrowth is good, so is drought tolerance. Chicory has decent shade tolerance, and fair winter hardiness. The plants contains tannins. It has been noted to have good salinity tolerance. Chicory plants are high sugar.
Seeds per pound: 425,000 Seeds/sq ft/pound 11.7
Uses:
- Erosion control
- Soil builder
- Nitrogen scavenger
- Weed suppression
- Grazing potential
- Pollinator attracter
- Soil loosener
Strengths:
- Strong tap root
- Boosts animal immune system
- High sugar content
Concerns:
Requires fertile soils, can overwinter.
Grazing:
Excellent. Good protein, biomass, and energy. Good regrowth.
Hay:
Fair. Dry down can be an issue.
Mycorrhizal support? Yes
