SafePlants

Hog Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata)

The Hog Peanut, also known as American Wild Peanut or Ground Bean, is a fascinating plant with a unique life cycle and historical significance.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant is a vine that twines around adjacent vegetation, which could pose a minor entanglement risk for small pets.
• Seeds are mentioned as being present.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is a vine that twines around adjacent vegetation.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Amphicarpaea bracteata
• Common Names: Hog Peanut, American Wild Peanut, Ground Bean, American Hog-peanut, Wild Peanut, Talet

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (Pea or Legume family)
• Synonyms: Amphicarpa monoica, Amphicarpaea bracteata var. comosa, Glycine bracteata
• Subspecies: Amphicarpaea bracteata var. bracteata

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern and central North America.
• Found in woodland, thickets, and moist slopes.
• Occurs throughout most of Alabama, but is uncommon in the sandy pine woods of that state.
• Sightings and distribution information are available for Minnesota.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• An annual to perennial twining vine that may grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length, gently climbing onto and over nearby plants. Some can grow up to five or six feet tall.
• Slender stems are light green to reddish.
• Tendrils are absent.
• Has two forms of flowers: one type occurring at the top of the plant, violet to white elongated pea-shaped flowers.
• Hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender.
• In leaf around May 10th.

Ecological Role

• A shade-tolerant nitrogen-fixer, which is relatively rare.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Hogs eat the seeds of the fruit below ground.

Quirky Facts

• The plant has two types of flowers, one of which grows underground and produces seeds.
• The name Amphicarpaea is Greek for "two-seeded," referring to the two types of seeds it produces.

Historical and Traditional Uses

• The seeds were widely eaten by Native Americans.
• It also had several ethnobotanic uses for Native Americans.
• The seed has occasionally been cultivated for its edible seed.

Resources and Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Amphicarpaea bracteata.
• Minnesota Wildflowers: Contains photos and information about the American Hog Peanut in Minnesota.
• Dave's Garden: A community where gardeners share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.