Overview
Hedysarum alpinum is a plant with a perennial herb habit in the genus Hedysarum, part of the Fabaceae family, with feather-like leaflets foliage. Hedysarum alpinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and wildlife gardens.
About
Hedysarum alpinum is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name alpine sweetvetch, bear root, or eskimo potato. It is called masu, mashu, masru or mazu in the Iñupiaq language, and as food aigak, meaning edible root. It has a circumpolar distribution, occurring throughout the northern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. In North America it is widespread in Canada and the northernmost United States, including Alaska. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include borders and wildlife gardens. It tolerates neutral soils, moist conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedysarum alpinum
About the genus
Hedysarum (sweetvetch) is a genus of the botanical family Fabaceae, consisting of about 200 species of annual or perennial herbs found in Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hedysarum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedysarum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hedysarum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Hedysarum alpinum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Feather-like leaflets
- Suggested uses
- Borders, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hedysarum alpinum
- Propagation
- Seed, root cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to most pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to most diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hedysarum alpinum?
Hedysarum alpinum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hedysarum alpinum need?
Hedysarum alpinum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Hedysarum alpinum hardy in the UK?
Hedysarum alpinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Hedysarum alpinum?
Seed, root cuttings, division.
More in the Hedysarum genus
- Hedysarum coronariumSulla
- Hedysarum gmelinii
- Hedysarum microcalyxSweetvetch
- Hedysarum multijugumSweetvetch
- Hedysarum
- Hedysarum macedonicumSweetvetch