Sweet Vetch
Hedysarum boreale
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Pl. 6D2D — Hedysarum boreale
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IOverview
Overview
Sweet Vetch (Hedysarum boreale) is a perennial forb or herb found in the wild across North America and Russia, from Arizona to Yukon. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—both sandy and clay—and prefers full sun. Native to regions including Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Magadan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and parts of Canada, it is known for its edible root, which can be consumed directly or processed. One distinctive feature of Sweet Vetch is its ability to grow in a wide range of soil pH levels from 5.2 to 8, making it adaptable to various environments.
Quick answers
What is Sweet Vetch?
Sweet Vetch (Hedysarum boreale) is a perennial forb or herb found in the wild across North America and Russia, from Arizona to Yukon. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil types—both sandy and clay—and prefers full sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sweet Vetch thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and can be propagated through seeds or division. This perennial grows to about 0.1 meters tall and produces edible roots. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 5.2 and 8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
5.2–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Sweet Vetch for the first time
8steps
Sweet Vetch is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Sweet Vetch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light, medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep in the ground or plant seedlings at the same depth.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The roots of Sweet Vetch (Hedysarum boreale) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are typically prepared by digging up the root and either eating it fresh or boiling it to tenderize the flesh. Skip the detailed recipe; focus on these basic preparation methods.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 16 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Magadan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Nunavut, Oregon, Utah, Yukon, Oklahoma, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6d2d28d4-ccb7-44e6-9b8e-4d8b8f8ca0cb
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