My Favourite Weed

Day 280: I have a confession to make. Despite its status as a "weed," I love common Chicory (Cichorium intybus). I would love to have it in the Barren Wasteland and, if this confession is to be fully honest, I have made at least two (possibly three) unsuccessful attempts to introduce it thereby transplanting roots. It would be lovely growing alongside the bright Deptford Pinks and Rose Campion, a startling contrast amid the Rudbeckias which try so hard to dominate the space. I have never thought to gather seed (too obvious an option?), but it does not seem to transplant well. That fact suggests that it would be unlikely to become problematic if it did become established. I guess I'll just have to keep trying.

My Favourite Invasive

Day 313: Cichorium intybus (common Chicory, also known as Blue Sailors) is considered an invasive weed in Washington, and yes, it will take over vacant lots and other waste areas once it gets a toehold, but its flowers are such a bright and cheerful blue that I just can't help liking it. Of course, many non-native plants got started when they migrated from someone's garden into the natural environment, and then some, without the controls of weeding or predation on them, proliferated to excess and wound up on the "hit list" of invasives. Not all non-natives become invasive, and others do so in varying degrees. We pigeonhole the worst of them into three classes: Class A for for those of especial concern due to their ability to succeed but are not commonly found, Class B for those which are abundant in some areas of the state but absent in others, Class C for those which are widespread. Others are categorized as "regional" or "nuisance" and do not require any measure of control. Cichorium falls into the latter category presently, so at least for now I can enjoy it without guilt.