Glycyrrhiza lepidota - Flower,Herb and Grass Seeds,Medicinal Herbs,Perennial,Web page Navigation - American Licorice, Wild Licorice Page

Looking for a unique plant native to North America? Look no further than Glycyrrhiza lepidota, also known as American Licorice or Wild Licorice. This plant, part of the pea/bean family, can be found from central Canada to California, Texas and Virginia. It prefers moist, sandy soil and can grow up to 3 ft tall. The long, fleshy roots are edible raw or cooked and contain glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter than sugar! Traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant are considered to have medicinal properties but the roots are the most active. American Licorice is also a pioneer species that can be used to revegetate bare or disturbed ground. With a market for both medicinal purposes and flavoring, American Licorice is a unique plant with a variety of uses.