Wild Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) - 40 Seeds •Heirloom •Non-GMO •US Native Wildflower •American grown seeds •Perennial •USDA Zones: 2-11 Description: American Licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota) is a species of Glycyrrhiza native to most of North America. It is also sometimes known in the United States as "wild licorice" to distinguish it from the related European Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) which is occasionally cultivated. It grows to 16-40 inches tall and has long tough brown roots that is sweet sweet and were used as food and for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. American Licorice is not sweet from sugar but from about 6% glycyrrhizin content which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. The tender young shoots can be eaten raw in the spring and the root can be used as flavoring, chewed which also makes it a great teeth cleaner for children, and slow roasted where it will taste similar to a sweet potato. Planting Instructions: Before planting, pour 180 degrees F water over the seed and let it soak overnight. In late fall or early spring, direct sow the treated seed 1/4" deep. To start the seed indoors, sow seeds in a flat or individual peat pots 6-8 weeks before the last frost; keep the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 70 degrees F until germination, which usually occurs within two weeks. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors. Keep the soil moist as the seedlings develop. This plant prefers moist, sandy soil. It grows rather slowly at first because of its extensive root system, which takes much of its energy in the first stages of growth.