Glycyrrhiza glabra is an erect, robust, perennial herb of up to one metre in height with multi-branched, underground rhizomes and woody stems. The rhizomes are dull brown on the surface and bright yellow inside. The leaves are pinnate and divided into small, bright green, sparsely hairy leaflets each about 35 mm long and 20 mm wide. Above the leaves are clusters of pale purple or white flowers about 8-11 mm long. The fruit is small brown pods, each containing three or four seeds.