Apios americana
GROUNDNUT

This interesting vine native to the eastern United States is important historically and also a great addition to the edible landscape! This perennial vine is sometimes called the potato bean, Indian potato, cinnamon vine or American groundnut, among others. Growing from 3-9' long, with bright-green, pinnate leaves in 5-7 leaflets. The unusual pea-like flowers are pink to brown and become edible beans. Remarkably, the plant also produces large edible tubers. The tubers were a large part of the diet of many Native American tribes and were also a staple food of the pilgrims. The tubers are reminiscent of potatoes and must be cooked before they are eaten. This is a wonderful and nutritious vine to add to the edible, native or historical garden. S-PSh/M-W