Hedysarum alpinum is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name alpine sweetvetch.

It grows on grasslands with grass species such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa), and American dunegrass (Leymus mollis).

Many small mammals, such as voles and short-tailed weasels eat it, and a variety of birds nest in alpine sweetvetch habitat.

Alpine sweetvetch is the most important food source for the Dena'ina people after wild fruit species.

[2][3] The roots may be eaten raw or prepared in a number of ways, including boiling, roasting, and frying in grease.

[1] The seeds should not be eaten raw, or in large quantity, as they contain L-canavanine, which may have led or contributed to the death of Christopher McCandless.