Desert Chicory

Wildflower Species Types of Flowers Bigelow's Monkey Flower Brown-eyed Primrose Chia Chuparosa Creosote Bush Desert Dandelion Desert Lupine Desert Purple Mat Fremont Pincushion Phacelia Popcorn Flower

Desert Chicory (Rafinesquia neomexicana) is also known as New Mexico Plumeseed. It is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Chicory has a long history of use as a hot drink additive, usually associated with coffee. The root of desert chicory is often used as an ingredient in herbal tea.

The flower is a pretty white, with typical aster-like petals. When mature, the center shines a dark yellow color.

Desert Chicory flowers are likewise edible, and can be tossed on salads or other foods as garnish.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels