Ground Nut
Apios americana
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Pl. 7DB9 — Apios americana
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IOverview
Overview
Ground Nut (Apios americana) is a perennial vine and herb native to the eastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin and as far north as Ontario and Québec. This plant thrives in moist, light to partial sun environments with soil that is well-draining or sandy to medium-textured, preferring a pH between 6 and 7.5. Known for its edible tubers and seeds, Ground Nut has been utilized by indigenous peoples for centuries. Its distinctive feature includes the ability to grow up to 1.2 meters in height, making it both an ornamental addition to gardens and a valuable food source.
Quick answers
What is Ground Nut?
Ground Nut (Apios americana) is a perennial vine and herb native to the eastern United States, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin and as far north as Ontario and Québec.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ground Nut (Apios americana) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It is hardy in zones 3-7 and grows as a perennial vine or herb up to 1.2 meters tall. For best results, plant seeds or tubers in light (sandy) or medium soils. Ensure the area remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. This native American plant is both edible and hardy in temperate regions, making it a valuable addition to gardens seeking sustainable food sources.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Ground Nut for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving vine that's easy to grow and maintain.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or tubers, compost, garden fork, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Amend soil with compost for good drainage and fertility.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep; plant tubers 5-7 cm deep, spaced 30-45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Mulch around the base for added moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide a trellis or support structure for climbing. Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Harvest tubers after the first frost.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting support structures, not mulching properly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:seedstubers
Edible uses: The Ground Nut (Apios americana) is a perennial vine with edible tubers and seeds. The tubers are typically dug in the fall and can be eaten raw or cooked. Seeds can also be harvested and prepared similarly to beans, often boiled before consumption. Both parts grow well in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5.
Other uses:CompaniontextilesNitrogen fixerFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7db9446d-4985-48d0-a745-b43a47279c52
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