American Licorice
Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American licorice is a native perennial with compound leaves and spikes of small white to yellowish flowers in summer. It forms compact clumps and spreads moderately through underground rhizomes, making it useful for naturalizing areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Licorice takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreads by underground rhizomes and can look weedy
- May appear unkempt when not in bloom
- Informal growth habit doesn't suit formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The dense growth provides shelter for small wildlife and insects.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Licorice fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.