Northern sweetvetch

Hedysarum boreale

Widely distributed native drought tolerant perennial legume with colorful pink-purple pea-like flowers, blooming May to August. Occasionally rhizomatous. Occurs in the openings of semi-deserts, shrublands and woodland openings; 2,000 to 10,000 ft. elevation. Prefers well-drained loamy sites, but tolerant of sandy or clay soils. Highly palatable to ungulates. Use for habitat restoration, reclamation and roadsides. Provides habitat for sage-grouse and pollinators.