Butter Daisy vs Licorice Plant Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Butter Daisy
Euryops chrysanthemoides
Euryops chrysanthemoides, commonly known as the Butter Daisy, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It features a bushy, rounded habit and typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters. The plant is characterized by its bright green, deeply divided leaves and abundant, daisy-like yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year, with peak flowering in spring and fall. It is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes for its cheerful flowers and attractive foliage. While it can be grown in containers, it thrives best outdoors where it can receive ample sunlight.
Licorice Plant
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. It features pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers, typically purple to pale blue. The plant is primarily cultivated for its rhizomes and roots, which contain glycyrrhizin, a compound responsible for its characteristic sweet flavor. Licorice is mainly grown outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun. While it can be attempted indoors, it's challenging to replicate its ideal growing conditions, and it may not thrive.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Butter Daisy | Licorice Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 15-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.5-1 meter (indoors, if attempted) | 0.5-1 meter (indoors, likely smaller) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of potting soil, perlite, and sand. | Well-drained loamy soil |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly (primarily for watering, weeding, and pest control). |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Butter Daisy
| Scientific Name | Euryops chrysanthemoides |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | South Africa |
| Also Known As | Butter Daisy, African Bush Daisy, Golden Daisy Bush |
| Leaves | The leaves are bright green, deeply divided, and somewhat fern-like in appearance. They are typically 5-10 cm long and provide a soft, textured backdrop to the bright yellow flowers. |
| Flowers | The Butter Daisy produces abundant, daisy-like yellow flowers. Each flower is about 2-5 cm in diameter and features a bright yellow center surrounded by numerous yellow petals. Flowering is most prolific in spring and fall, but blooms can appear throughout the year. |
Licorice Plant
| Scientific Name | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Native To | Southern Europe and parts of Asia |
| Also Known As | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately compound, typically consisting of 9-17 leaflets. Each leaflet is oval to lance-shaped, with a smooth margin and a slightly sticky texture. The leaves are generally green in color. |
| Flowers | Licorice produces pea-like flowers that are typically purple to pale blue. Flowering usually occurs in the summer months. It is unlikely to flower indoors due to insufficient light. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Butter Daisy
Licorice Plant
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Butter Daisy
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until roots develop. Seeds can be sown in spring.
Licorice Plant
Methods: Seed, Rhizome division, Root cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: For rhizome division, separate rhizomes in early spring and plant them in well-drained soil. Root cuttings should be taken in late fall or early winter and planted horizontally.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Butter Daisy
The Butter Daisy is known for its long blooming period, producing bright yellow daisy-like flowers almost year-round in mild climates. Its drought tolerance makes it a valuable addition to water-wise gardens.
- ✓ Provides vibrant color to the garden.
- ✓ Attracts bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Drought-tolerant, conserving water.
- ✓ Relatively low maintenance.
- ✓ Can be used for cut flowers.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Licorice Plant
The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that is significantly sweeter than sugar. This plant has a long history of use in both culinary and traditional medicine.
- ✓ Provides a unique flavoring agent for culinary uses.
- ✓ Has potential medicinal properties (consult a healthcare professional).
- ✓ Adds visual interest to a garden with its foliage and flowers.
- ✓ Can be a rewarding challenge for experienced gardeners.
- ✓ Supports biodiversity in a garden ecosystem.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Butter Daisy
Licorice Plant
🌞 Light Requirements
Butter Daisy
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Licorice Plant
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Butter Daisy
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage. During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently. Reduce watering in the winter months.
Licorice Plant
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Butter Daisy
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Licorice Plant
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Butter Daisy
Euryops chrysanthemoidesGardeners in warm climates looking for a cheerful, low-maintenance shrub with bright yellow flowers.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant with bright, cheerful yellow flowers that bloom for a long period.
- You live in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance shrub for your garden.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You need a drought-tolerant plant for xeriscaping.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate with frequent frosts.
- You do not have a sunny location.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You are looking for a low-light indoor plant.
Licorice Plant
Glycyrrhiza glabraExperienced gardeners who want to grow licorice outdoors for its roots, understanding its toxicity to pets.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a sunny outdoor garden space.
- You are interested in harvesting licorice root for culinary or medicinal purposes.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a unique plant to grow.
- You understand the plant's toxicity to pets and can keep it away from them.
- You are prepared to provide the specific care this plant needs to thrive.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You are not prepared to manage the plant's potential for rhizomatous spread.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Butter Daisy has fast growth, while Licorice Plant grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Butter Daisy Care Tips
Butter Daisies are best suited for outdoor environments with plenty of sunlight. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the plant's high light requirements. If grown indoors, provide the brightest possible location and ensure good air circulation. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
Licorice Plant Care Tips
Licorice is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun and well-drained soil. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements and potential for rhizomatous spread. It also poses a toxicity risk to pets. Indoor cultivation requires careful attention to light, watering, and potential toxicity.
- Provide well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Ensure at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Harvest licorice roots in the fall after 3-4 years of growth.
- Be mindful of its potential for rhizomatous spread and contain it if necessary.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Butter Daisy
Licorice Plant
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Butter Daisy
What are the light requirements for Butter Daisy?
Butter Daisies need bright, indirect light to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing several hours of sunlight without scorching the leaves. South-facing windows can also work, but be sure to diffuse the light with a sheer curtain to prevent sunburn.
How do I care for Butter Daisy?
Butter Daisies thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to encourage abundant blooms.
How do I propagate Butter Daisy?
Butter Daisies can be propagated through stem cuttings or division.
Licorice Plant
What are the light requirements for Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and faded foliage color. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A south- or west-facing window can also work, but be sure to filter the light with sheer curtains or blinds, especially during the hottest part of the day.
How do I care for Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant thrives in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth, though it can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the morning. These plants prefer moderate temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
How do I propagate Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings and layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain moisture. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots develop, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Last updated: May 1, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.