Liquorice root, Mackenzie's Sweetvetch, Mackenzie's hedysarum
Hedysarum boreale subsp. mackenzii
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A plant in the pea family. It is low and bushy. It grows 20-40 cm high. The leaves are compound with several small leaflets. The flowers are reddish-purple. They are 18 mm long. They are in long spike-like clusters. The fruit is a flat, jointed seed pod.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows along riverbanks and on grassy hillsides.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The long flexible roots taste like licorice. They are eaten when young.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Sweet broom