Abstract: As a part of the characterization and the valorization of plant genetic resources of fodder and pastoral interest in Algeria, fourteen natural populations of Hedysarum coronarium L. were subjected to a morpho-physiological study. Ecological factors (altitude and rainfall) of the originating environment of the different populations were considered. Thirty four characteristics related to seed weight, seedling emergence, vegetative development, flowering and formation of fruiting heads were included in the study. The results indicate the existence of variability within the species and between the populations, especially for the rate of seedlings at the second simple leaf stage, the development of the height axis, the end of the bloom and the full fruiting heads characteristics which are significant. This would be linked to the ecological factors of the environment of origin, especially the altitude which would constitute the most important factor. The results of principal components analysis show off some important characteristics, particularly the numbers of leaves and ramifications per plant, which oppose themselves to certain characteristics linked to the breeding (flowering and formation of fruiting heads). H. coronarium L. should be developed, particularly in the isolated and disinherited areas, where they could adapt themselves with advantage.