Scottish Licorice-Root: A Hardy Coastal Native Worth Discovering
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails native plant that laughs in the face of salt spray and chilly coastal winds, let me introduce you to Scottish licorice-root (Ligusticum scoticum scoticum). This unassuming perennial might not win any flashy flower contests, but it’s got character in spades and a fascinating story to tell.
What Exactly 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 licorice name fool you into thinking it’s related to the candy plant; this is a member of the carrot family that just happens to have roots with a somewhat similar flavor profile. It’s the kind of plant that thrives where others throw in the towel, making it a true survivor of the plant world.
Where Does It Call Home?
This remarkable plant is native to an impressive range of cold-climate regions, including Canada, Greenland, the northern United States, and St. Pierre and Miquelon. You’ll find it naturally growing across:
- Canadian provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Nunavut, Newfoundland, and Labrador
- U.S. states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island
Essentially, if you live somewhere that gets properly cold winters and has access to coastal conditions, you’re in Scottish licorice-root territory.
Why Your Garden Might Love This Plant
Scottish licorice-root brings several compelling qualities to the right garden setting:
- Extreme hardiness: Thriving in USDA zones 2-6, this plant can handle serious cold
- Salt tolerance: Perfect for coastal gardens where salt spray kills other plants
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
- Pollinator support: Its small white flowers in umbrella-like clusters attract various beneficial insects
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and requires no guilt about invasive tendencies
The Reality Check: Is This Plant Right for You?
Before you get too excited, let’s be honest about Scottish licorice-root’s limitations. This isn’t a plant for every garden or every gardener. It’s somewhat specialized in its needs and won’t thrive in warm, inland conditions. If you live in hot, humid climates or areas far from coastal influence, you might want to look elsewhere for your native plant fix.
However, if you have a coastal garden, rock garden, or simply live in a cold climate where you want to showcase tough native plants, Scottish licorice-root could be your new best friend.
Growing Scottish Licorice-Root Successfully
The key to success with this plant is understanding its natural habitat and trying to replicate those conditions:
Location and Conditions
- Climate: Cool, coastal conditions work best
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; it won’t tolerate soggy conditions
- Salt exposure: Actually benefits from some salt exposure, making it perfect for seaside gardens
- Sun exposure: Can handle full sun in cooler climates
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Ensure excellent drainage – this is non-negotiable
- Once established, water sparingly; it’s adapted to tough conditions
- No fertilizer needed; it’s used to lean soils
- Minimal pruning required; let it follow its natural growth pattern
Design Ideas and Garden Roles
Scottish licorice-root works beautifully in:
- Coastal gardens: Where its salt tolerance really shines
- Rock gardens: Its compact nature fits perfectly among stones
- Native plant collections: As an interesting conversation piece
- Low-maintenance landscapes: Where you want something that thrives on neglect
The Bottom Line
Scottish licorice-root isn’t going to be the star of your flower border, but it might just be the reliable supporting actor your coastal or cold-climate garden needs. If you appreciate plants with interesting stories, impressive hardiness, and the ability to thrive where others fail, this native charmer deserves a spot in your landscape. Just remember to respect its preferences for cool, well-drained conditions, and it’ll reward you with years of steady, undemanding performance.
For gardeners in warmer zones or inland areas, consider exploring other native options better suited to your specific conditions. But if you’re blessed with the right climate for Scottish licorice-root, you’re in for a treat with this tough, characterful native.
