Hedysarum arcticum

B.Fedtsch.

Fabaceae Edible: Root

No photos yet for Hedysarum arcticum

Description

Hedysarum arcticum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower in June. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

Root - raw or cooked. Dried, ground into a powder and used as a flour.

Distribution

Circumboreal.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Mongolia EUROPE: Russian Federation-European part (European part)

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country though, judging by its native range, it should be perfectly hardy in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in ordinary garden soil in a sunny position, preferring a deep well-drained sandy loam. Plants strongly resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in the spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. Great care is needed since the plant dislikes root disturbance.