Licorice Plant-Yum!

Well not really, I don't know why this very hardy shrubby perennial is commonly called a "licoriceplant". Well maybe my sense of smell is off these days. Helichrysum petiolatum first attracted me because of its light grey color and soft looking overall appearance. As for aroma, if anything, it smells like curry more than anything else. What a workhorse, this woody shrub far exceeds the size quoted in my reference guide achieving a size of 8 by 8 feet and about 4 feet tall. I have to keep giving it a trim as it wants to grow out into the sidewalk. I had a second one but finally had to remove as it continues to intrude on its neighbors. So be forewarned, this very happy perennial likes to spread out and will quickly fill up a space. The flowers are said to be "inconsequential" but I find them charming. They add to the overall soft appearance which I find pretty rare in most tough drought tolerant shrubs. Go for this plant if you have room, brush by and you might need to find an Indian curry soon.

Please note that the licoriceplant is an invasive plant to natives.  For more information, visit this site to learn more http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/plant_profiles/Helichrysum_petiolare.php.

Licoriceplant. (photo by Trisha Rose)

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