Chinese Licorice

Glycyrrhiza echinata

Native to:
Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., Greece, Hungary, Iran, Kazakhstan, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Romania, Russia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Glycyrrhiza
Species:
Glycyrrhiza echinata
USDA Symbol:
GLEC2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers calcareous soils; found in steppes and riverbanks

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination; may benefit from pre-soaking in warm water.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society