Chicory

Description:

Clear, blue, stalkless flower on nearly naked stem. Rays are blue, square tipped and fringed. Closed by noon. Basal leaves, dandelion like. Up to four feet. (Description from "Peterson Field Guide to Wildflowers in Northeastern/Northcentral America.")

Habitat:

Often found along roadsides and waste places. Widespread.

Notes:

Found in grassy area around the prairie garden in the school courtyard. This is considered an alien species. It can be seen from June to October. "The chicory plant is one of the earliest cited in recorded literature." (Wikipedia)