Chicory

I have to admit that I'm being influenced by you. Before I began reading all of your blogs I would walk right past most flowers. Oh, I would take a few pictures at times, but I never really thought much about it. Now I will spot a flower from a distance and go after it with the same enthusiasm that I have when following any animal.

This influence hasn't just gone as far as to appreciate the beauty of a flower, or to know that it might make a good post. It has done both of those, but it has also done much more. I've actually been learning a thing or two. Now when I see a flower or other plant, the chances that I might actually know what I'm looking at are becoming greater and greater.

For instance, when I saw this Chicory plant growing at one of my favorite parks I instantly knew what it was! I don't really remember where I learned this, or even if it was from one source or it came from a combined effort of several of you. The important thing is that I did indeed know, and it's thanks to all of you, my wonderful teachers!

Of course, I'm still not completely sure of my knowledge yet, so I made sure I checked the internet for confirmation and a little information on these lovely little flowers. This whole plant seems to be useful for so many things that I can't list them all here. Don't worry though because I'm going to supply you with some very valuable links if you want to know more.

A lot of you know that this plant is sometimes added to coffee, and it has even been used to make coffee all by itself. This plant has been also used for medicinal purposes, such as easing an upset stomach, heartburn, and headaches. Again, so many to list for this herb. Since I can't possibly tell it all, here are the links I promised you.

Chicory - Herb Database - So much great information, and you can follow this link to a huge list of herbs and information about them.

Chicory - Wildflower Information.org - A good place to find information on several wildflowers.

Chicory - Asheville Natural - A nice little place with good information on chicory and other wildflowers.

Chicory - Wikipedia - This one's easy. Most of you know Wikipedia, but it has good information, so I listed it.

Okay, that's enough of that! I could list sites like these all day long, but that would start to get boring, now wouldn't it? There are plenty of other sites out there like these. All you have to do is look.

Here's a view of one of the many chicory plants where I took these pictures. The first flower was located right in front of my usual parking spot. It was almost as if it was waiting there for me. The front of the park near the parking area is just full of these plants. There are also several others, like dandelions, clover, and daisies out there.

I've been featuring a lot more flowers lately, even though I still see the animals out there. I've been learning that plants and flowers have just as much to offer as animals and other things. Even something that doesn't run away can give a fun everyday adventure if we just take the time to look.