A taxonomic revision of Hedysarum species (Fabaceae) recognized as a part of the H. gmelinii complex is presented. One widespread species is recognized here and two new combinations are proposed: H. gmelinii var. dahuricum (Turcz. ex B. Fedtsch.) R. Sa and H. gmelinii var. setigerum (Turcz. ex Fisch. & Mey.) R. Sa, based on morphological studies of herbarium specimens and seed coat sculpturing characteristics. The name H. gmelinii is lectotypified. A taxonomic conspectus for the three taxa, including a list of synonyms, information on type specimens, morphological differentiation, ecological characteristics, and distribution data are given. Additionally, the problems of former treatments of sections Multicaulia and Subacaulia within Hedysarum are discussed.