Minnesota Wildflowers


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Glycyrrhiza lepidota (Wild Licorice)

Plant Info
Also known as: American Licorice
Genus:Glycyrrhiza
Family:Fabaceae (Pea)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:sun; moist fields, prairies
Bloom season:June - July
Plant height:12 to 40 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular spike

[photo of flower] Spike cluster, generally cone-shaped, 1 to 2 inches long of irregular flowers. Color is white, cream, or pale yellow. One plant may have several clusters. The flower stem arises from the leaf axils.

Leaves: alternate compound

[photo of leaves] Leaves are compound in groups of 11 to 19 leaflets. Individual leaflets are up to 1½ inches long and ½ wide, tapering to pointed or slightly rounded tips. Leaves are toothless, and often fold up some from the central vein.

Fruit:

[photo of fruit] Each flower is replaced by a green pod covered in hooked bristles. As the pods ripen, the color changes to copper, then a deep brown. The pods remain through the winter (see photo below). This photo was taken near the end of July.

Where to buy native seed and plants

Help support this site by buying seeds & plants from these vendors. Tell them we sent you!

  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite
  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Unless otherwise noted, photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2007

Comments

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