Glycyrrhiza lepidota aka American Licorice

Glycyrrhiza lepidota has two common names: wild licorice and American licorice. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range spans Canada to northeastern Mexico. It grows through much of central and western North America. Wild plants grow on prairies and along stream edges. They also grow in moist fields and on disturbed ground. Other sites include gravel river flats and roadsides.

This perennial lives for years and has strong, spreading roots. These roots grow beneath the soil. Plants reach about 3.6 feet (1.1 metres) tall. The listed garden spread is about 2 feet (0.6 metres). But roots can spread into much wider patches over time. The leaves are pinnate: leaflets grow along a central stalk. Pale, pea-like blooms form clusters in July and August. Bees and other insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female parts. Seeds ripen from August to September. They form inside prickly pods that grow in tight groups. These pods add texture late in the season.

Grow wild licorice in sun or light shade. It prefers moist soil, with sand or loam. It accepts soil that is mildly acid or mildly alkaline. Neutral soil suits it, too. Wild groups also grow in heavy clay and salty soils. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 3–9. It fixes nitrogen, as some other pea family plants do. Plants grown from seed grow at a slow pace at first. Start new plants from seed or divide roots in spring or autumn. Each root piece needs at least one growth bud.

Its spread suits large native meadows and work to restore prairies. It also has value in wildlife gardens and along streambanks. Its flowers provide a resource for insects that pollinate them. It fits loose, natural plantings better than small formal beds. Choose its site with care. Roots can be hard to remove once they take hold. The supplied evidence names spread as its main garden drawback.

People have used roots and tender spring shoots as food. They have eaten roots raw or cooked, or chewed them. They picked shoots before the leaves opened. This does not make it a food for daily use. The sweet root has glycyrrhizin, which can upset salt balance. It can raise blood pressure and cause dangerous heart rhythms. PFAF limits root use to tiny amounts at rare times. Those with heart, kidney, or blood-pressure problems should avoid it. Use is also unsafe in pregnancy or with some medicines. Indigenous peoples of North America used it for several health complaints. That past use does not prove it safe as a home remedy.