American Hog-peanut
Amphicarpaea bracteata
Also listed as Amphicarpaea chamaecaulis, Amphicarpaea ciliata
Also known as Hog Peanut, Ground Bean, Mouse Bean
Climate Match for your location
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A native North American vine that produces both aerial flowers and underground (cleistogamous) flowers and pods. Useful as a groundcover or low climbing vine in woodland gardens.
Why grow it
American hog-peanut offers a light-textured alternative to heavier vining groundcovers, producing edible legume pods both above and below ground. Unlike many ornamental vines, it requires minimal support and thrives in the dappled shade of established woodlands where aggressive vines struggle. Its dual reproductive strategy (aerial and cleistogamous flowers) provides resilience in variable growing conditions.
Watch out for
This species self-seeds readily in favorable conditions and can spread beyond intended boundaries, so site placement matters in smaller gardens. It performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and may thin out in very dry summers. The vine's delicate stems can be shaded out by more vigorous competitors if not given adequate light as it matures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A native North American vine that produces both aerial flowers and underground (cleistogamous) flowers and pods. Useful as a groundcover or low climbing vine in woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well American Hog-peanut grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
American hog-peanut offers a light-textured alternative to heavier vining groundcovers, producing edible legume pods both above and below ground. Unlike many ornamental vines, it requires minimal support and thrives in the dappled shade of established woodlands where aggressive vines struggle. Its dual reproductive strategy (aerial and cleistogamous flowers) provides resilience in variable growing conditions.
Watch out for
This species self-seeds readily in favorable conditions and can spread beyond intended boundaries, so site placement matters in smaller gardens. It performs best with consistent moisture during establishment and may thin out in very dry summers. The vine's delicate stems can be shaded out by more vigorous competitors if not given adequate light as it matures.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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