American Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) is a native North American perennial valued for its tall, leafy structure and clusters of creamy pink to pale lavender summer blooms. This adaptable wild plant thrives in moist to moderately dry soils and supports wildlife by attracting bees and other beneficial insects. Its deep roots help stabilize soil, making it suitable for naturalized landscapes, wetland edges, prairie gardens, pollinator habitats, and restoration plantings.
Features
- Native perennial that supports bees and beneficial insects.
- Blooms with pale pink to lavender flower clusters in summer.
- Deep root system ideal for soil stabilization and restoration areas.
- Thrives along streams, wetlands, meadows, and prairie gardens.
- Non-GMO Glycyrrhiza lepidota seeds.
- Long-lived, low-maintenance plant suitable for natural landscaping.
Specifications
- Common Name: American Licorice
- Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza lepidota
- Plant Type: Perennial native wildflower herb
- USDA Zones: 3–9
- Bloom Color: Creamy pink to pale lavender
- Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
- Height: 12–48 inches
- Spread: 12–36 inches
- Growth Habit: Upright, spreading through roots
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial sun
- Soil Preference: Moist to medium, well-drained soil; tolerates clay
- Water Needs: Moderate; tolerates periodic drought once established
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees & beneficial insects)
- Wildlife Support: Provides habitat and nectar
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Plant Spacing: 12–24 inches
- Seed Viability: 2–3 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
- Scarify (lightly nick or sand) seeds to improve germination.
- Cold stratify for 4–6 weeks (refrigerate in moist medium).
- Sow indoors or direct sow outdoors in fall or early spring.
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil.
- Keep evenly moist until germination (10–30 days after stratification).
- Transplant outdoors after frost into full sun or partial sun.
- Water regularly during establishment; reduce watering once mature.
- Allow space for spreading roots in naturalized plantings.
- Leave seedheads for wildlife habitat and natural reseeding.
