Sweet Vetch, Utah sweetvetch, Northern sweetvetch

Hedysarum boreale

Physical Characteristics

Hedysarum boreale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to 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

Northern N. America - Saskatchewan to Arizona.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Young tender roots - raw or cooked[183]. Sliced and eaten raw, boiled, baked or added to soups[183]. A sweet carrot[105] or liquorice-like flavour[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The sub-species H. boreale mackenzii is said to have a slightly toxic root, but no mention about toxicity for this species has been found.