Native oak woodlands and meadows throughout the Pacific Northwest, licorice root, also known as celery-leaved lovage, is an herbaceous perennial in the carrot family. The leaves are edible and can be eaten in small quantities to stimulate digestion. White umbel flowers bloom in mid-June. This plant grows well in partial shade and doesn't need water in summer.  The seeds make a wonderfully aromatic spice similar to caraway or celery seed.  The root does indeed taste like licorice or anise, and makes a very aromatic tea.