Alpine French Honeysuckle
Hedysarum hedysaroides
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 6E53 — Hedysarum hedysaroides
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IOverview
Overview
Alpine French Honeysuckle (Hedysarum hedysaroides) is a perennial plant native to the cooler regions of Europe and Asia, including Alaska, Austria, France, Germany, and various Russian territories such as East European Russia, Siberia, and Sakhalin. Known for its edible roots, this plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8. It is hardy in zones 4-8, reaching heights of about 0.4 meters. Its light energy requirement of 8/10 suggests it prefers partial shade to full sun. This plant can be both ornamental and edible, adding diversity to gardens or culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is Alpine French Honeysuckle?
Alpine French Honeysuckle (Hedysarum hedysaroides) is a perennial plant native to the cooler regions of Europe and Asia, including Alaska, Austria, France, Germany, and various Russian territories such as East European Russia, Siberia, and Sakhalin.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alpine French Honeysuckle thrives in moist, light to heavy soils and prefers a pH between 7.5 and 8. It is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial grows up to 0.4 meters tall and requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. For best results, plant it in full sun or partial shade. Propagate via root cuttings or division in early spring. The edible roots can be harvested after the plant is established.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Alpine French Honeysuckle for the first time
8steps
Start with Alpine French Honeysuckle as a simple perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Alpine French Honeysuckle plants, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 7.5–8. Use a well-draining pot if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery into your garden or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially in summer. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Alpine French Honeysuckle's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, the roots are dug up and used fresh or dried before being cooked. SKIP
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 1 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 24 native· 1 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (8)AustriaFranceGermanyItalyPolandRomaniaRussiaSwitzerland
introduced (1)Ukraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)MongoliaSouth Korea
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Sakhalin, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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