PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota)

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Photo by R. Schulenberg

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found in dry to moist prairies and other grasslands, streambanks, and lake shores. It has been found naturalized on cinders of railroads and in other disturbed areas. Blooming occurs throughout July, fruiting early-August through late-October. The optimal identification period for this species is early-August through October.

Glycyrrhiza lepidota var. glutinosa, Glycyrrhiza lepidota var. lepidota

 
 
 

Wild licorice is an erect forb with 12-15mm pale yellow flowers. Fruit is brown, 1.5cm, and densely beset with hooked prickles. It has 11-19 oblong or lanceolate leaflets, the lower sides of which are dotted with minute glands, those of the main axis are 2.5-5cm, the others smaller and narrower.

Although other legumes have glandular leaflets, Glycyrrhiza lepidota can be distinguished by the dense concentration of glands on the upper stem.

Rhizomatous. Blooming occurs throughout July, fruiting early-August through late-October.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is early-August through late-October.

Associated species include exotics such as Lonicera species, Poa pratensis, Melilotus species, Pastinaca sativa, Symphoricarpos species, and Polanisia dodecandra.

Wild licorice is found in dry to moist prairies and other grasslands, streambanks, and lake shores.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Prescribed burns and/or brushing may be beneficial, dependent on local site conditions and burn frequency. Rotational burns with annual unburned refugia may be preferred.

Maintain and restore open habitat through selective clearing and brushing.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light. See forestry BMPs for invasive species.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.