By Cara Rose
Contributing Writer
I have been fascinated by this little blue weed for years. Chicory is unmistakable, lining our roads far and wide in Pocahontas County. A visual pleasure thriving along the gravel shoulders of our hardtop roads, the two to four feet tall stalks with the periwinkle or cornflower blue colored bloom love the elevations and climate of Pocahontas County.
I know it is so easy for folks to complain that our roadsides need to be mowed but I beg to differ. I know manicuring our roadways is important but as I drive along Route 39, Route 219, Douthards Creek Road and all the roads in the county, I cannot deny the beauty these “weeds” bring to the drive. I especially love the intermingling of yellow flowers and Queen Anne’s Lace to enhance the visual pleasure this time of year.
Technically speaking, the Chicory plant is a wild plant, a reference I much prefer over the description of a weed. I have also learned that it is more than a pretty, flowering weed. The wild plant is not native but was introduced to America from Europe. And although one might consider it invasive because of its prolific nature in our area, it does have some uses. Many cultures have found ways to make good use of this abundant wild plant. Chicory is used to flavor coffee, tea and beer hops. It is used as a sweetener and dietary fiber additive and even can be used as a forage crop for livestock.
So, while we patiently wait for our wonderful Department of Highways crews to mow along our roads for safety purposes, let’s enjoy how the beauty of Chicory transforms our daily commute into a scenic drive.
