Cichorium spinosum
Cichorium spinosum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. D3E5 — Cichorium spinosum
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IOverview
Overview
Cichorium spinosum, commonly known as prickly chicory or spiny bittercress, is a biennial or perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region including Cyprus, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Libya, Sicilia, and Spain. This hardy plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and is well-suited for zones 6-9. One distinctive feature of Cichorium spinosum is its spiny leaves, which are edible and often used in salads. Its ornamental value is limited due to the prickles but it remains a notable presence in gardens and natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Cichorium spinosum?
Cichorium spinosum, commonly known as prickly chicory or spiny bittercress, is a biennial or perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region including Cyprus, East Aegean Islands, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Libya, Sicilia, and Spain.
What is Cichorium spinosum used for?
Traditionally used for immune support, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Cichorium spinosum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Cichorium species have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support the immune system. A tea made from the leaves may help maintain overall health.
The polysaccharides and flavonoids found in Cichorium species are thought to enhance immune function, although specific mechanisms for Cichorium spinosum have not been fully elucidated.
- Cichorium species have been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for digestive issues, such as indigestion and bloating. A decoction of the leaves may help support healthy digestion.
The bitter compounds found in Cichorium species stimulate bile production and improve gut motility, aiding in digestion. However, specific mechanisms for Cichorium spinosum are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Cichorium spinosum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cichorium spinosum thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows to about 0.2 meters tall. This plant can be propagated through seeds or division. For best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cichorium spinosum for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, light-loving plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting mix, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start seedlings indoors about 4 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth, removing any dead or yellowing leaves as needed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Cichorium spinosum are edible and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. They are also used to make tea.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 9 native
Europe4 regions
native (4)CyprusGreeceItalySpain
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa1 region
native (1)Libya
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kriti
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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