The roots of Common Chicory have been roasted to create a coffee-substitute; they are also used as an ingredient some herbal teas. The flowerheads are very beautiful, but short-lived. This species is easy to identify because of the appearance of these flowerheads – they are a lovely light blue, whereas similar plants in the Aster family usually have yellow flowerheads. However, some Lactuca spp. (Wild Lettuces) have flowerheads consisting of light blue ray florets. These latter species produce achenes with tufts of hair, whereas the achenes of Wild Chicory have only small scales.