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Summary

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant 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].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Food Forest Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in ordinary garden soil in a sunny position, preferring a deep well-drained sandy loam[1, 200]. Plants strongly resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[1]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is a tap root similar to a carrot going directly down [1-2].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in the spring[200]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. Great care is needed since the plant dislikes root disturbance[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Eastern Siberia (north), Kamcatskij kraj, Russian Federation,Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia. NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, United States, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Utah,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible
Hedysarum alpinum	Alpine Sweetvetch	Perennial	0.6	4-8	LMH	N	M	3
Hedysarum arcticum		Perennial	0.3	-	LMH	N	M	2
Hedysarum boreale mackenzii	Liquorice Root	Perennial	0.1	3-7	LMH	N	M	4
Hedysarum hedysaroides	Alpine French Honeysuckle	Perennial	0.4	4-8	LMH	N	M	3
Hedysarum occidentale	Liquorice Root, Western sweetvetch	Perennial	0.1	4-8	LMH	N	M	4
Hedysarum sachalinense		Perennial	0.5	-	LMH	N	M	2
Hedysarum vicioides		Perennial	0.7	3-7	LMH	N	M	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Hedysarum boreale - Nutt.