Promising Plants Profiles

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Genus: Glycyrrhiza
Specific Epithet: uralensis
Common Name: Chinese licorice, gan cao
Family: Fabaceae

Flower Color: white and violet/lilac
Form: perennial
Hardiness Zone: 6
Height: 4'
Soil: deep, rich, sandy loam
Sun: full sun

Uses: medicinal, culinary (limited)
Parts Used: root

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"Probably the most widely used of all Chinese medicinal herbs, Glycyrrhiza uralensis
moderates or potentiates the other herbs in many prescriptions. As a plant for the herb
garden, it is more impressive than common licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), forming a large clump about 4 feet tall. The clusters of small lilac flowers are followed by interesting reddish, bristly pods. Though found in the wild on dry, alkaline, grassy plains, my plant thrives in moisture-retentive loam that, if anything, is slightly acid."
– Deni Bown, Promising Plants Presentation, 2004

Plant Source: Richters, Goodwood, Ontario, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Mineral, Virginia

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