Alpine Sweetvetch
Hedysarum alpinumfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 4EF6 — Hedysarum alpinum
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IOverview
Overview
Alpine Sweetvetch (Hedysarum alpinum) is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family and is native to Tibet. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types. It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. Known for its edible roots, Alpine Sweetvetch also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens due to its distinctive form. Its adaptability to various soil pH levels (6–8) makes it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to add a hardy perennial that can withstand diverse growing conditions.
Quick answers
What is Alpine Sweetvetch?
Alpine Sweetvetch (Hedysarum alpinum) is a perennial herb belonging to the Fabaceae family and is native to Tibet. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types. It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alpine Sweetvetch thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4 to 8. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds or division. The edible root can be harvested for use. Maintain a soil pH between 6 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Alpine Sweetvetch for the first time
8steps
Start with Alpine Sweetvetch as a simple perennial for your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Alpine Sweetvetch plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or late summer for better root development.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil with organic matter; ensure it's well-draining. Use a pot at least 30 cm wide if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots or sow seeds directly where they will grow, covering them lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize sparingly with compost in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest roots for culinary use after 2-3 years.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The roots of Alpine Sweetvetch are edible and can be harvested for consumption. Typically, they are prepared by digging up the plant and either cooking them or drying them before use. Skip the raw form as it may not be palatable.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaIndiaKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Irkutsk, South Dakota, Altay, Buryatiya, Newfoundland, Alberta, Amur, British Columbia, Chita, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Labrador, Montana, Nebraska, Tuva
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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