The rosette bears a striking resemblance to dandelion. Both having long, narrow, coarsely lobed leaves. In most cases, the toothed lobes of the dandelion leaf are opposite each other and point back toward the center of the rosette. In chicory, these lobes are staggered along each margin and may point forward or backward. The upper surface is also "rough" to the touch. Chicory is a perennial with bright blue daisy-like flowers. These flowers offer a colorful cover in farm fields. The dark brown contorted taproot is often roasted and ground as a substitute for coffee.