Wild Sweet Pea
All parts of this plant are POISONOUS to humans
- Iñupiaq name: Unavailable
- Family: Fabaceae
- Scientific name: Hedysarum mackenzii
- Distinguishing characteristics: Large, showy flowers are distinct looking with a strong sweet smell. Stems are typically unbranched, bearing leaves with hairy undersides.
- Similar species: Wild sweet pea looks very similar to other members of the Fabaceae, like Alpine sweetvetch, a non-poisonous plant. The flowers of wild sweet pea are large and red-purple, while the flowers of Alpine sweetvetch are small and light pink in comparison.
- Habitat: Rocky slopes and river bars.
- Do not harvest this plant, as all parts are poisonous to humans (see information on alpine sweetvetch).
Photo by Alfred Cook, Circle District Historical Society
Photo via Circle District Historical Society
Photo by Matt Lavin