American Licorice
Glycyrrhiza lepidota
Last reviewed: August 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.
Toxicity unknown
American Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
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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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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