Alpine chainpod or Sweetvetch (Hedysarum alpinum)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Hedysarum alpinum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tastes best after some frosts. — Root - raw or cooked.; A carrot-like flavour.; The root can be harvested from autumn until spring, it tastes best after some frosts.; ** Please read The New Yorker link in the Reader Comments below.

Habitat & North American Range

Calcareous rocks and gravelly soils, north to Alaska. Swampy meadows and swamps in China. (Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)