This photo was taken just before the hay was cut last week. Chicory was sown in places around the farm as an experiment years ago to see how it grew in our conditions and how much the stock liked it. It is the first thing eaten by the cows and sheep so I guess that means they enjoy it. The plant has a deep tap root and is a great addition to spring and autumn pastures as its full of minerals and vitamins that are good for animals and humans.
During summer it flowers and feeds the bees as well, before it drops its seeds and starts a new chicory community.
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it's a beautiful bloom. i know it grows in parts of the US but i've not seen it here in my area of texas.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experiment. Flowers even lovelier than alfalfa. An additional plus. :)
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I love the sky blue colour.
ReplyDeleteThis is one plant/flower I recognize..I am glad the cows and sheep like it! Pretty shot..
ReplyDeleteIt is a native wildflower to my state of Minnesota! Amazing also, is that it's so pretty and edible too!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know where it came from so thanks for that. :)
DeletePretty color and flower. Now I know what they are when I see them out in the fields.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty color.
ReplyDeletedelightful colour. Love that last shot.
ReplyDeleteI had no clue what that was but it grows in our parking area in the summer. We've always considered it a weed. I think it has sweet flowers though.
ReplyDeleteIt's a marvellous shade of blue on those flowers. It grows happily in our garden too and we use the tender shoots as boiled greens - we like it too :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in Floral Fridays Fotos, I look forward to your next offering!