In the Community: What's In Bloom

Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota)

Wild licorice is a member of the Legume family. Its leaves appear in rows along the stem (pinnate compound) which is coarse and tall. The thick rootstalk contains a sweet substance called glycyrrhizin which tastes like licorice and was used by First Nations people as a sweetener in their food. The bur-like pod appears after the insignificant yellowish-white flowers appear in July. The burs sometimes remain on the plant all winter unless they are carried away by sticking to passing animals or humans.   

Wild Licorice Photo courtesy: Lynn McCaslin, Nature Regina

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