Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Nitrogen fixer

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the Mediterranean region and south-west Asia, Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herbaceous plant of the legume family that can reach around one metre in height and develops an extensive root system. In a food forest, it plays an important role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil and improving its structure through its deep roots. Integrated into the herbaceous and underground layers, this species also provides a valuable harvest of aromatic roots with medicinal and culinary uses.

See which trees licorice grows well with

Pick the central tree on your land and see the full guild.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Partial shade
Size: Perennial herb up to 1 m
Mature diameter: 0.8 m
Soils: Sandy, Loam
Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean, Inland / Continental

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May
June
July
August
September
October — Harvest
November — Harvest
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The roots are traditionally used in infusions to soothe sore throats and digestive discomfort.

Where to buy

Grows well with

Central trees this plant has already been paired with.

Pomegranate

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.