Alpine Hedysarum

Hedysarum americanum

Family:

Pea family - Fabaceae

Also known as Bear Root, the nutrient-rich, licorice-flavoured roots are eaten by animals and form an important food source for grizzly bears.

Tiny green alpine hedysarum seeding with red stem emerging from soil in late May

Bright red alpine hedysarum shoots emerging from the mulch in late April

An alpine hedysarum seedling emerging from the mulch in mid-May

Two alpine hedysarum stalks emerging from the soil in early May

Pink and white alpine hedysarum flower heads blooming in late June

Foliage and pink and white flowers of alpine hedysarum early June

Close-up view of pink and white alpine hedysarum flower head in late June

Woodland garden

Meadow / Grassland garden

Pollinator garden

Drought tolerant

Supports wide variety of wildlife

Details

Emerges

Seed collection

Flowers

June, July

Pink

Height

Lifecycle

Perennial

Width

Habit

Forbs

Upright

Taproot

Colony-forming

Ecology

Supports

Bees

Providing

Nectar source

Flowers attract bumblebees.

The nutrient-rich tap root is eaten by both large and small animals. Young roots have a licorice-like flavour and are an important food source for grizzly bears.

Habitat

Typically found in

open woods, slopes / banks

Commonly found in open woodlands, mountain slopes, and alpine meadows, where it thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.

In the Garden

Growing Conditions

Moisture

Dry

Average

Moist

Light

Full sun

Part sun

Part shade

Soil

Average garden soil

Propagation

Via

Seeds

Sowing Recommendations

Soak seeds

Landscape

Use for:

Middle of bed

Stabilization

Growing Tips

Plants have a thick taproot and do not transplant easily.
Seeds can be sown directly, otherwise handle seedlings with care when planting.
Space seedlings about 30 cm apart when planting.
Empty seed pods may be caused by lack of pollinators or insect damage.
Pre-treat seeds by soaking in 80C water for 12 hours.
Prefers moist, cool garden locations.

Description

Alpine hedysarum, a member of the pea family, is an attractive medium-height plant featuring compound leaves and clusters of small, pink to purple flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer, followed by flat, segmented seed pods. The foliage is lush and adds texture to garden settings, while the roots are thick and woody.

This species is colony-forming, creating a deep taproot system that allows it to access nutrients and water in sparse environments. The deep taproots make it drought-resistant once established, but prevents transplanting. Its root system, resilience, and spreading habit can be beneficial for soil stabilization.