When does American Licorice bloom?

Glycyrrhiza lepidota blooms from June through August, producing small white flowers in dense spikes.

What pollinators visit American Licorice?

American Licorice attracts bees and beetles with its summer flowers, providing nectar and pollen resources.

Where is Glycyrrhiza lepidota native?

American Licorice is native to 33 states across western and central North America, from California to New York and from Canada to Texas.

What growing conditions does American Licorice prefer?

This hardy perennial tolerates a wide range of conditions from full sun to partial sun and adapts to various moisture levels from dry to moist soils.

Is American Licorice toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Licorice as toxic to livestock.

Is American Licorice HOA-friendly?

American Licorice takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Licorice

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Glycyrrhiza lepidota

Last reviewed: June 2026

Glycyrrhiza lepidota (American Licorice) is a native perennial forb blooming white flowers from June through August across western and central North America. This drought-tolerant plant attracts bees and beetles in prairies and disturbed soils.

American Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) — Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Licorice as toxic to livestock.

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

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

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.

Growing American Licorice

Grow American Licorice in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

When does American Licorice bloom?: Glycyrrhiza lepidota blooms from June through August, producing small white flowers in dense spikes.
What pollinators visit American Licorice?: American Licorice attracts bees and beetles with its summer flowers, providing nectar and pollen resources.
Where is Glycyrrhiza lepidota native?: American Licorice is native to 33 states across western and central North America, from California to New York and from Canada to Texas.
What growing conditions does American Licorice prefer?: This hardy perennial tolerates a wide range of conditions from full sun to partial sun and adapts to various moisture levels from dry to moist soils.
Is American Licorice toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Licorice as toxic to livestock.
Is American Licorice HOA-friendly?: American Licorice takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow American Licorice? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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