Scottish Licorice-Root: A Hardy Coastal Native for Northern Gardens
If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance native plant that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, meet Scottish licorice-root (Ligusticum scoticum). This unassuming perennial might not win any flashy flower contests, but what it lacks in showiness, it more than makes up for in resilience and ecological value.
What Is Scottish Licorice-Root?
Scottish licorice-root is a hardy perennial forb—basically a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Don’t let the name fool you; while it’s called Scottish, this plant is actually a proud North American native. It belongs to the carrot family and shares that characteristic umbrella-shaped flower cluster that makes it a magnet for beneficial insects.
Where Does It Call Home?
This tough little plant has quite the impressive range across northern North America. You’ll find it growing naturally from Alaska down through Canada’s maritime provinces, and into the northeastern United States. It thrives in states and provinces including Alaska, British Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and throughout Atlantic Canada including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and even up into Nunavut.
Why Choose Scottish Licorice-Root for Your Garden?
There are several compelling reasons to give this native plant a spot in your landscape:
- Incredibly hardy: This plant laughs at harsh weather, thriving in zones 2-6
- Native benefits: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing native plants
- Pollinator friendly: The small white umbel flowers attract beneficial insects
- Coastal tough: Perfect if you’re dealing with salt spray or sandy soils
- Versatile moisture needs: Can handle both wetland and non-wetland conditions
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
Perfect Garden Situations
Scottish licorice-root isn’t your typical suburban foundation plant, but it shines in the right situations:
- Coastal gardens: Its tolerance for salt spray makes it ideal for seaside properties
- Rock gardens: Thrives in well-drained, sandy conditions
- Native plant gardens: A authentic choice for naturalized landscapes
- Rain gardens: Its facultative wetland status means it can handle variable moisture
- Wildlife gardens: Provides food and habitat for native insects
Growing Scottish Licorice-Root Successfully
The good news is that this plant is refreshingly easy to grow once you understand its preferences:
Light requirements: Partial shade to full sun—it’s quite adaptable
Soil needs: Well-draining sandy soils are ideal, though it’s quite tolerant of different soil types. The key is avoiding waterlogged conditions in winter.
Watering: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant. During the first year, provide regular watering to help it get established.
Climate considerations: Hardy in USDA zones 2-6, this plant actually prefers cooler climates and may struggle in hot, humid conditions.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting Scottish licorice-root established in your garden is straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart
- Water regularly the first growing season
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Once established, minimal care is needed
- Deadhead spent flowers if you prefer a tidier look, or leave them for wildlife
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While Scottish licorice-root might look modest, it’s actually quite valuable to local ecosystems. The umbrella-shaped flower clusters (called umbels) are particularly attractive to small beneficial insects, including various flies and small native bees. These pollinators are often overlooked but play crucial roles in maintaining healthy garden ecosystems.
Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?
Scottish licorice-root is perfect for gardeners who:
- Live in northern climates (zones 2-6)
- Want low-maintenance native plants
- Are dealing with challenging coastal conditions
- Prefer naturalized, wildlife-friendly landscapes
- Appreciate subtle beauty over flashy flowers
However, it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a showy ornamental or live in hot, humid climates where it may not thrive.
Scottish licorice-root proves that sometimes the most valuable garden plants are the quiet achievers. While it may not stop traffic with stunning blooms, its resilience, native status, and ecological benefits make it a worthy addition to the right garden. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing a plant that’s perfectly adapted to your local conditions—it’s like welcoming a long-lost neighbor back home.
