Alpine Sweetvetch
Hedysarum alpinum
- Native to:
- Canada, China, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Labrador, Pakistan, Russia, United States
iNaturalist: © ednnas (iNaturalist #290258167)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Hedysarum
- Species:
- Hedysarum alpinum
- USDA Symbol:
- HEAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 70 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, magenta
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Hecla sulphur (Colias hecla), Queen Alexandra's Sulphur (Colias alexandra)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers nutrient-poor soils typical of alpine regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of hard seed coat recommended before cold stratification. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. If seed does not germinate within 3 months, try 4°C for 1-2 months, then 20°C again. Resents transplanting. Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * plant in deep pot