American Groundnut (Hopniss)

(Apios americana)

Groundnut is an amazing native, perennial vine that makes edible beans and edible tubers. Also called potato bean, this is hard to find locally. While it was an important food source for indigenous people in the northeast (New England), it is no longer as widespread as it once was and was mostly unknown to American gardeners.

The plant is making a comeback now because of its versatility, beauty, and the large amount of food it produces. American groundnuts require at least two years to produce a good yield. They also fix nitrogen into the soil, making them a good companion plant with another tall, solid perennial.

Site Preference

Groundnuts are pretty flexible on soil type, going from damp to dry. They can tolerate part shade but traditionally grew in clearings or along creeks. In the northeast, you are best with full sun and using compost-rich soil. A trellis will help a lot .

Hardiness

This plant can survive from Northern Canada to Florida.