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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 425Dedible
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Liquorice Root

Hedysarum occidentalefam. Fabaceae
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edibleperennialedibleedible rootherbnative amperennial
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Hedysarum occidentale (Liquorice Root) — botanical photograph
Pl. 425D — Hedysarum occidentale
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I

Overview

Liquorice Root (Hedysarum occidentale) is a perennial herb native to the western United States and Canada, specifically found in British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a distinctive forb that grows up to 0.1 meters tall and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. The root of Liquorice Root is the edible part used in various preparations. Typically, it is dried and ground into a powder or steeped to make tea. It can also be cooked or used raw in certain applications. This plant is known for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, making it a valuable addition to gardens in these regions. While not medicinal, its edible uses make it a practical choice for those interested in foraging or gardening in the western United States and Canada.

Quick answers

What is Liquorice Root?

Liquorice Root (Hedysarum occidentale) is a perennial herb native to the western United States and Canada, specifically found in British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Compare with:Acacia holosericea→Acacia mearnsii→Adenanthera pavonina→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Liquorice Root (Hedysarum occidentale) thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and is a perennial forb or herb. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist and provide full sunlight. This plant grows to a height of 0.1 meters and is native to regions including British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Propagate via seeds or root division.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Liquorice Root for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Liquorice Root in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Liquorice root seeds or young plants, a garden trowel, and mulch.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring after the last frost or late summer for better root development.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the area gets full sun.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows spaced 30-45 cm apart. Transplant young plants when they have several leaves.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize sparingly with compost in early spring.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough sunlight, and failing to prune regularly.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Liquorice Root (Hedysarum occidentale) is the edible part used in various preparations. Typically, it is dried and then ground into a powder or steeped to make tea. It can also be cooked or used raw in certain applications. Skip the specific recipes; focus on these general uses instead.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 7 native
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Hedysarum occidentale (Liquorice Root) — botanical photograph
Liquorice Root (Hedysarum occidentale)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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