American Groundnut

Apios americana is an unusual leguminous vine that produces edible tubers. In the UK garden, it is often grown as a novelty or for its attractive and fragrant flowers. The plant produces twining stems that can reach up to 3-4 metres, covered in pinnate leaves. In mid to late summer, it bears dense clusters of pea-like flowers that are a unique brownish-pink or chocolate-maroon colour. These flowers emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance that is particularly noticeable on warm evenings. Beneath the soil, the plant develops a chain of small, potato-like tubers that have a nutty flavour and high protein content. It is H5 hardy, making it suitable for most parts of the UK. It prefers a moist, fertile soil and can be grown against a trellis, fence, or through a large shrub. While it can spread somewhat vigorously in ideal conditions, it is easily managed by harvesting the tubers in autumn. It is a great choice for forest gardening or permaculture enthusiasts.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.