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Northern Sweetvetch

Hedysarum boreale is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae, or legume family, and is known by the common names Utah sweetvetch, boreal sweet-vetch, northern sweetvetch, and plains sweet-broom. It is native to North America, where it is widespread in northern and western regions of Canada and the United States. The ssp. mackenziei can even be found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

This species is quite variable in morphology. There are several ecotypes. In general, it is a perennial herb growing from a deep taproot with a woody stem base. It has nitrogen-fixing root nodules. The plant grows 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) tall. The hairless leaves are compound, divided into a number of leaflets. The inflorescence is a raceme of white, pink, or purple flowers. The fruit is a legume pod containing kidney-shaped seeds. Honeybees pollinate the flowers.

This plant grows on well-drained loams as well as soils with clay and sand. It can grow on soils with moderate levels of salinity, and can tolerate a range of soil pH. In the wild it generally grows at elevation, between 4,000 and 8,000 feet (1,200 and 2,400 m).

This plant is sometimes added to seed mixes used for rangeland improvement. Its nitrogen-fixing ability improves soil quality. The plant is palatable to livestock and wild animals. It is an important component of Sage Grouse habitat. The cultivar 'Timp' is an improved plant line selected for its adaptability and seed production qualities. The plant can be used in xeriscaping and as a seeded roadside flower. It is good for stabilizing soil.

The wild plant was considered poisonous by some Native American groups, but it was utilized as a food source, particularly the roots.

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"We Know What Grows"
  • Home
    • Contact Us
    • Directions and Hours of Operation
    • Events & Workshops
    • Meet our Staff
    • Bulk Yard
    • Press & Video
  • Nursery
    • Wildflower Seeds >
      • Bachelor Blues
      • Chinese Houses
      • California Poppy
      • Globegilia
      • Baby Blue Eyes
      • Drummond Phlox
      • Flanders Poppy
      • Plains Coreopsis
      • Farewell-To-Spring
      • Scarlet Flax
      • Larkspur Rocket
      • Shirley Poppy
      • Rocky Mountain Bee Balm
      • Baby Snapdragon
      • Sunflower
      • Tidy Tips
      • Wallflower
      • Arrowleaf Balsamroot
      • Pacific Aster
      • Black-eyed Susan
      • Blanket Flower
      • Blue Flax
      • Colorado Columbine
      • Aspen Daisy
      • Purple Coneflower
      • Prairie Coneflower
      • Lanceleaf Coreopsis
      • Dame's Rocket
      • Wild Geranium
      • Fire Flower
      • Desert Globemallow
      • Golden Banner
      • Iceland Poppy
      • Cosmos
      • Rocky Mountain Iris
      • Maiden Pinks
      • Red Mexican Hat
      • Mountain Lupine
      • Large Flowered Penstemon
      • Rocky Mountain Penstemon
      • Wasatch Penstemon
      • White Evening Primrose
      • Showy Goldeneye
      • Northern Sweetvetch
      • White Yarrow
    • Tree & Plant Reference Guide >
      • Perennials >
        • Full Shade
        • Full Sun
        • Partial/Full Sun
        • Partial Sun
        • Partial Sun/Full Shade
      • Evergreens >
        • Spruce
        • Firs
        • Pines
      • Deciduous >
        • Aspen
        • Ash
        • Birch
        • Chokecherry
        • Cottonwood
        • Crabapple
        • Fruit Trees
      • Fruits and Berries
      • Shrubs
    • Contractors
    • Custom Pre-potting Flower Program
    • Gardening Tips for High Altitude Planting >
      • Vegetable Planting Schedule
    • Gardening Blog
    • High Altitude Planting Guide
    • Seasonal >
      • Fall >
        • Fall Bulbs for Spring Blossoms
      • Christmas >
        • Our Christmas Trees
        • Tree Care
        • Christmas Wreaths
  • Flower Barn
    • Order Flowers
    • Special Occasion Floral
  • Garden Boutique
  • Garden Cafe