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Canby'S Licorice-Root

Ligusticum canbyi

Last reviewed: August 2026

Canby'S Licorice-Root (Ligusticum canbyi)
Photo: Thayne Tuason / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Canby'S Licorice-Root (Ligusticum canbyi) 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.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

ID, MT, OR, WA and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Canby's licorice-root is a native perennial with delicate, fern-like foliage and small white flower clusters. This compact wildflower grows in neat clumps and blooms throughout summer, creating an elegant natural appearance in partial shade gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Canby'S Licorice-Root 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.

  • Appears too wild and weedy for most HOA standards
  • Lacks the formal structure expected in maintained landscapes
  • May be mistaken for an undesirable weed by neighbors

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract diverse pollinators including native bees, beneficial flies, and beetles. Its extended bloom period provides consistent nectar sources during peak growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Canby'S Licorice-Root need?
Canby'S Licorice-Root grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Canby'S Licorice-Root bloom?
Canby'S Licorice-Root blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Canby'S Licorice-Root native?
Canby'S Licorice-Root (Ligusticum canbyi) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Canby'S Licorice-Root attract?
Canby'S Licorice-Root draws bees, flies, and beetles.
Is Canby'S Licorice-Root HOA-friendly?
Canby'S Licorice-Root 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz