What Plant Does Licorice Grow From?

Identification

• Licorice comes from the European Glycyrrhiza glabra and the Chinese Glycyrrhiza uralensis plants. European licorice grows to be around 5 feet tall. It has long, thin vertical roots and horizontal rhizomes or underground stems that grow out and away from the plant. The plant produces small light blue flowers during summer. Chinese licorice looks similar to European licorice except that its leaves are hairy and its flowers are purple.

Cultivation

• Licorice plants are deciduous and can adapt to a wide range of climates. They grow best in warm temperatures, however, and prefer deep sandy soil. Licorice plants propagate from root cuttings or from seeds. Adult licorice plants are drought tolerant and generally low maintenance, according to the New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research.

Benefits

• Licorice is commonly added to sore throat medications and herbal supplements. It is also used to treat stomach ulcers and as a colon cleanser. Licorice root is known as a confectionery flavoring, although licorice candy rarely has more than 2 percent licorice extract. Most of the licorice flavoring in candy comes from the anise herb or from synthetic flavoring agents.