Origin
The Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh, commonly known as the Boreal sweetvetch, is a plant species in the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America and common in Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States.
Common Names
The Boreal sweetvetch has a variety of common names, including Northern sweetvetch, Wild liquorice, and Boreal sweetvetch.
Uses
Indigenous people in Alaska have been utilizing Hedysarum boreale for centuries for food and medicine. They used tender young plants and roots for relishes, sweets, stews, and soups. The plant has also been used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throat. Hedysarum boreale also helps reverse soil degradation and enhances soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making it a valuable plant in ecological restoration and revegetation projects.
General Appearance
The Boreal sweetvetch is a perennial legume that grows up to 1-2 feet tall. The plant's stems are hairy and erect, and its leaves are alternate with 11-17 leaflets, oblong or ovate. The flowers consist of pink to purplish pea-like blooms in dense spikes, and the seeds are tiny and rounded. One of the distinguishing characteristics of the plant is the sweet tasting root, which smells like liquorice when crushed.
Light Requirements
Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh typically grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate relatively bright conditions, but shaded environments allow it to grow more slowly and develop a stronger root system.
Temperature Needs
This plant is well adapted to cold temperatures and can grow in a variety of climates. In general, it prefers cool to cold temperatures and can withstand temperatures down to -40°F. Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh does not do well in hot, dry climates and may experience stunted growth or even die back in such conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are moist but not waterlogged. It can often be found growing in sandy or gravelly soils in its native environment. However, it can adapt to a wide variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and silt soils. Soil pH does not seem to be a critical factor for growth, as long as the soil is not extremely acidic or alkaline.
Cultivation Methods
Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a range of growing conditions. When selecting a site, choose a spot that receives full sun or partial shade and has well-draining soil. Hedysarum boreale can tolerate a range of soil types, although it prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The best time to plant Hedysarum boreale is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and fertilizer, gently pack the soil around the plant, and water well.Watering Needs
Once established, Hedysarum boreale requires minimal watering. However, it is important to keep the soil moist when the plant is young and establishing roots. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season, but avoid overwatering, as the plant can suffer from root rot. During periods of drought, give the plant a deep watering once a week. Be sure to water at the base of the plant, and not on the leaves, to avoid fungal diseases.Fertilization
Hedysarum boreale does not require heavy fertilization. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil when planting, and apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Over-fertilization can also lead to weak stems, which can cause the plant to flop over.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Hedysarum boreale, but some gardeners choose to prune back the plant in early spring to control its size and shape. Pruning can also help to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. To prune, simply cut back the stems to a height of 6 to 12 inches above the ground. Avoid cutting into old wood, as this can reduce flowering. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season can also help to prolong blooming.Propagation of Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh
Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Seeds are the most commonly used method of propagation, and cuttings are used in some cases when seed collection is difficult or not possible.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh can be collected in the fall when the seed pods have turned brown and are starting to split open. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before being stored in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil in a well-draining location.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/4 inch, and they should be spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist but not wet until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged and have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from the stem tips of Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, and they should be taken from healthy, vigorous plants.
The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid location and should be watered regularly until it has developed a good root system. Once the cutting has roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh
Hedysarum boreale Nutt. ssp. boreale var. gremiale (Rollins) Northstrom & Welsh, commonly known as boreal sweetvetch, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in dry and rocky areas of North America. While it is a hardy plant, there are a few diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Hedysarum boreale is root rot caused by soil-borne fungi. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Another disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which is a fungal infection that appears as white, powdery patches on the leaves and stems. This disease can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Common Pests
There are several pests that can affect the growth and health of Hedysarum boreale. One such pest is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's sap and causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. Control spider mites by regularly spraying the plant with water to wash them off or by using insecticidal soap.
Another common pest is the aphid, which sucks sap from the plant and stunts its growth. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, insecticides, or natural predators like ladybugs.
Preventing Diseases and Pests
The best way to manage diseases and pests is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. You can do this by practicing good plant care, such as regularly watering and fertilizing the plant, avoiding overwatering, and maintaining proper soil drainage. Additionally, regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation can help catch issues early on and prevent them from spreading.
