Plant is an upright, freely branching perennial with a taproot. Preferred habitat is roadsides, fields and waste sites. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region except directly at seashore.

Leaves are alternate on the stem; one part; no leaf stalk; basal leaves lance-like to oblong; margins are toothed to dissected. Stem leaves are reduced upward.

Flowers are in terminal heads; solitary; symmetrical. Disc flowers absent. Ray flowers are bisexual; numerous; blue to purple or occasionally white. Flowering occurs in mid-spring and extends well into summer.

Fruit is achene.

The dried root can be ground and used as a strong coffee or mixed with coffee. In the spring the young leaves can be cooked as greens. Chicory was introduced to North America from Europe.