Calder’s Licorice-Root: A Rare Arctic Treasure for Northern Gardens
Meet Calder’s licorice-root (Ligusticum calderi), one of those special native plants that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a botanical secret. This perennial forb might not be the flashiest plant in your garden center, but for those gardening in the far north, it represents a unique opportunity to grow something truly distinctive and locally native.
What Makes This Plant Special
Calder’s licorice-root is a member of the carrot family, and like many of its relatives, it’s an herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and returns fresh each spring. As a forb, it lacks woody stems but makes up for it with its hardy, resilient nature – essential traits for surviving in some of North America’s most challenging climates.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This plant calls the northern reaches of North America home, specifically thriving in Alaska and British Columbia. It’s perfectly adapted to the unique growing conditions of these regions, from the long summer days to the harsh, snow-covered winters.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to know: Calder’s licorice-root has a Global Conservation Status of S3S4, which means it’s considered somewhat rare or uncommon in its native range. This doesn’t mean you can’t grow it, but it does mean you should be thoughtful about how you source it.
If you’re interested in adding this plant to your garden, please only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that responsibly propagate their stock rather than wild-harvesting. Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations.
Why Consider Growing Calder’s Licorice-Root?
For northern gardeners, especially those in Alaska and northern Canada, this plant offers several compelling reasons to include it in your landscape:
- It’s genuinely native to your region, supporting local ecosystems
- It’s adapted to extreme northern growing conditions
- You’ll be helping preserve a rare species through cultivation
- It connects your garden to the unique botanical heritage of the Arctic
Growing Challenges and Considerations
Let’s be honest – Calder’s licorice-root isn’t for everyone or every garden. Its very specific native range tells us it has particular growing requirements that may be difficult to replicate outside its natural habitat. The limited availability of specific growing information also suggests this isn’t a plant that’s been widely cultivated.
If you’re gardening outside of Alaska or northern British Columbia, you might want to consider other native Ligusticum species that are better suited to your local conditions and more readily available.
For the Adventurous Northern Gardener
If you’re determined to try growing this rare beauty, here are some general guidelines based on what we know about similar plants in the Ligusticum family:
- Expect it to prefer cool, moist conditions
- It likely appreciates some protection from intense sun
- Good drainage is probably essential to prevent root rot
- Be patient – rare plants often establish slowly
- Consider it for specialized native plant gardens or naturalized areas
The Bottom Line
Calder’s licorice-root is a plant for the dedicated native plant enthusiast, particularly those gardening in its native range. While it may not be the easiest plant to grow or find, it offers the unique satisfaction of cultivating something truly special and helping preserve a piece of northern botanical heritage.
If you can source it responsibly and you’re up for the challenge, this rare native could be a meaningful addition to your northern garden. Just remember – with rarity comes responsibility, both in sourcing and in caring for this unique piece of Arctic flora.
