Glycyrrhiza lepidota
wild licorice
Overview
Glycyrrhiza lepidota is an upright, rhizomatous perennial in the legume family growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and spreading into colonies. The pinnately compound leaves carry 11-19 lance-shaped leaflets, each 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long and dotted with sticky glands beneath. From May to August it bears dense spikes of small greenish-white to yellowish pea-like flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long in the leaf axils. These ripen into reddish-brown seed pods about 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) long covered in hooked bristles that cling to fur and clothing for dispersal. G. lepidota grows in moist to dry prairies, stream banks, roadsides, ditches, and disturbed ground across much of North America, tolerating drought, alkaline soils, and periodic flooding. It spreads aggressively by deep, creeping rhizomes and can be hard to contain or remove once established. The thick roots taste sweet, like the related commercial licorice. Bees and other insects visit the flowers. It dies back to the rhizomes each winter and resprouts in spring.
Native Range
Native to North America, ranging across most of the United States, Canada, and into northern Mexico, growing in prairies, stream banks, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Used in prairie restorations, erosion control, and naturalized plantings on large, open sites. It suits roadsides, basins, and rough ground where its spread is not a concern. Its aggressive rhizomes make it unsuited to small or formal gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight