These perennials are natives of North Africa, Europe, temperate Asia and temperate America. A few are nice to grow in the garden, but most are more attractive in a wild setting. One of the prettiest for cultivation is Hedysarum coronarium, the French Honeysuckle. It grows up to 3 feet high and wide. Its mid-green leaves are divided into 3 to 5 pairs of elliptic to round leaflets. In early summer, stout stems shoot up and bear spikes of small, pea-like flowers colored reddish-purple or carmine-red. Hedysarum sibiricum is also an attractive plant with yellowish or purple flowers.

Grow these plants in a warm, sheltered location, in well-drained soil, in full sun. They will flourish in deep, loamy soil, but will tolerate poor, rocky soil. In the spring, the previous season's growth should be cut back.

Seeds may be sown in the fall or spring, they may be divided in the fall, or cuttings may be taken.

Hedysarum coronarium;
Hedysarum sibiricum;
Hedysarum flavescens;
Hedysarum grandiflorum;
Hedysarum multijugum.