Vetch
Alpine Sweet-vetch
Hedysarum alpinum
Perennial
Vetch often appears bushy because of the branching stems, but typically doesn't spread too far. It supports pink-purple flowers, with long leaves and stems. It blooms in June and July in my area.
Hedysarum alpinum
Perennial
Vetch often appears bushy because of the branching stems, but typically doesn't spread too far. It supports pink-purple flowers, with long leaves and stems. It blooms in June and July in my area.
DESCRIPTION:
Flower
These unique flowers grow at the tops of the stems in clusters of 12 or more. There are three petals to each flower, one reaching downwards, the top two curl up and backwards. The flowers range between pink and light purple. They are small blooms, around half an inch long.
Flower
These unique flowers grow at the tops of the stems in clusters of 12 or more. There are three petals to each flower, one reaching downwards, the top two curl up and backwards. The flowers range between pink and light purple. They are small blooms, around half an inch long.
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WHOLE PLANT:
Stem A long slender stem, 1.5-3 feet in height. It is green -but may have a reddish or purplish tinge in some areas- with small hairs on it. The stems often branch out to hold more flower clusters. |
Leaves
The leaves are created by tiny leaflets growing on either side of a central stem. Each leaflet is half an inch to 2 inches long, the size ranging on what part of the stem it's on. They are lance shaped with pointed tips and slightly serrated edges. The leaf stem that sports these leaflets grows to be 2-8 inches long. These dark green leaves grow in a circular pattern at the base of the plant, but grow on opposite sides of the flowering stem.
The leaves are created by tiny leaflets growing on either side of a central stem. Each leaflet is half an inch to 2 inches long, the size ranging on what part of the stem it's on. They are lance shaped with pointed tips and slightly serrated edges. The leaf stem that sports these leaflets grows to be 2-8 inches long. These dark green leaves grow in a circular pattern at the base of the plant, but grow on opposite sides of the flowering stem.
Roots
The roots are fibrous, fleshy branching roots that anchor the plant into the soil.
The roots are fibrous, fleshy branching roots that anchor the plant into the soil.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Vetch enjoys moist soil, but isn't particular on sun or shade. It's common to find this plant in woodlands, gravel slopes, rocky areas, cliff edges, or creak sides.
Vetch enjoys moist soil, but isn't particular on sun or shade. It's common to find this plant in woodlands, gravel slopes, rocky areas, cliff edges, or creak sides.
WHEN TO FIND IT:
Vetch blooms in June and July.
Vetch blooms in June and July.