Does it need a trellis?

It prefers to climb over low shrubs or other plants but can grow as a ground cover.

It is native to North America and generally behaves well in woodland gardens.

Plant guide

American hogpeanut.

Amphicarpaea bracteata

Pronounced am-fi-kar-PEE-uh brak-tee-AY-tuh

Also known as American Hogpeanut, American hog peanut, Hog Peanut, hog-peanut, Wild Peanut

American hog-peanut — Photo by Carrie Seltzer (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This unique native legume produces both showy flowers above ground and hidden flowers near the roots. It is a fascinating woodland climber that adds a touch of wild charm to shaded gardens. You will enjoy watching its delicate trifoliate leaves spread across the forest floor.

Another photo of American hogpeanut — Photo by Anne Parker (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous annual vine
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural woodland habitat. Watch for wilting during dry spells, as this plant prefers a steady supply of water. It thrives best when allowed to climb or sprawl in a sheltered spot.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a light balanced fertilizer once during the growing season if needed.
Pruning: Trim back dead vines in late winter to tidy up the area.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Rich, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -30 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Annual
Deer and rabbits: Low

Safety

People: There are no known reports of toxicity in humans.
Children: The seeds are small and could pose a choking hazard to very young children.
Contact allergens: No specific contact irritants are known.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The underground cleistogamous seeds are edible when cooked, but ensure proper identification before consumption.

How to identify it

Trifoliate leaves with pointed leaflets
Small pale purple or white flowers
Twining stems that climb nearby plants
Produces underground edible seeds

Height: 0.3 to 3m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, lavender, purple, 0.5 to 1.5cm
Fruit: tan, brown, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew · A fungal infection that appears as white dust on leaves during humid conditions.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The plant dies back completely after the first frost. No special care is needed as it reseeds itself naturally.
In containers: It is not well-suited for containers due to its need for deep soil to produce its subterranean fruit.

Direct Sowing

1. Collect mature seeds in late autumn.
2. Sow seeds directly into moist, shaded soil.
3. Lightly cover with leaf mulch to mimic natural conditions.

Plant this near taller perennials that can act as a natural support for its twining stems.

Grows well with

Wild Ginger · They share similar woodland shade requirements.
Mayapple · They grow well together in the dappled light of a forest floor.

Similar species

Groundnut · Both are native legumes with edible underground parts.

Science

Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Amphicarpaea
Order: Fabales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Most of North America, excluding the far west.
Conservation: It is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in woodland edges and shaded areas where it can climb or trail through leaf litter.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ground cover, wildlife habitat, foraging

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a trellis?: It prefers to climb over low shrubs or other plants but can grow as a ground cover.
Is it invasive?: It is native to North America and generally behaves well in woodland gardens.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Amphicarpaea comes from Greek words meaning both-fruit, referring to its two types of pods. The species name bracteata refers to the leafy bracts found on the stems.

Good to know

The name hog peanut comes from the fact that pigs love to root out the subterranean beans.
It is a nitrogen-fixing legume that improves soil health.
The plant uses its twining stems to climb over other vegetation.

Also in

Plants for shade

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.