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American hogpeanut

Scientific Name: Amphicarpaea bracteata

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Amphicarpaea bracteata: The Hog Peanut

Amphicarpaea bracteata, commonly known as Hog Peanut or American Wild Peanut, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and interesting ecological role. It is also known as American hog-peanut, wild peanut, ground bean, hogpeanut, or talet.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This plant is a vine. Vines may present a potential entanglement hazard for small animals or children.
  • The plant produces seeds that are eaten by hogs.
  • The stems of the plant can be slender.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fernald var. bracteata
  • Common Names: Hog Peanut, American Wild Peanut, American hog-peanut, wild peanut, ground bean, hogpeanut, or talet.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume Family)
  • Synonyms: Amphicarpa monoica, Amphicarpaea bracteata var. comosa, Glycine bracteata.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to eastern North America.
  • Found in woodlands, thickets, and moist slopes.
  • Occurs throughout most of Alabama, but is uncommon in the sandy pine woods.
  • Also found in Minnesota.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual to perennial climber, growing up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length or 60 inches.
  • Twining vine that climbs on other plants.
  • Slender stems are light green to reddish.
  • Tendrils are absent.
  • Flowers are violet to white and pea-shaped.
  • Has two forms of flowers, with one type occurring at the top of the plant.
  • The plant dies back to the ground, leaving behind straw-like remnants.
  • In leaf around May 10th.
  • Flowers in summer.

Ecological Role

  • Nitrogen-fixer, which is rare for a shade-tolerant plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Hogs eat the seeds of the fruit below ground.
  • The vine twines about adjacent vegetation.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Amphicarpaea is Greek for "two-seeded".
  • This plant has two types of flowers, one of which forms underground.

Ethnobotanical Information

  • The seeds are edible and were widely eaten by Native Americans.
  • The plant also had several ethnobotanic uses for Native Americans.
  • It has occasionally been cultivated for its edible seed.
  • Considered one of the sacred plants, along with American Lotus, Arrowhead, and Groundnut

Hardiness

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 7.
  • Not frost tender.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Discover Life's page about Amphicarpaea bracteata
  • Dave's Garden: Dave's Garden