Alpine Sweetvetch

Hedysarum alpinum

Physical Characteristics

Hedysarum alpinum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America. to N. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked[61, 177]. A carrot-like flavour[105]. The root can be harvested from autumn until spring, it tastes best after some frosts[172]. Possibly toxic. ** Please read The New Yorker link in the Reader Comments below

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Please read The New Yorker link in the Reader Comments below