Hedysarum boreale is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae, or legume family, and is known by the common names Utah sweetvetch,[3] boreal sweet-vetch,[4] northern sweetvetch,[5] and plains sweet-broom.

[6] It is native to North America, where it is widespread in northern and western regions of Canada and the United States.

[5] In general, it is a perennial herb growing from a deep taproot with a woody stem base.

[3] The cultivar 'Timp' is an improved plant line selected for its adaptability and seed production qualities.

[9] The wild plant was considered poisonous by some Native American groups, but it was utilized as a food source, particularly the roots,[10] which taste like licorice.