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Traveler's delight

Apios priceana
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Apios priceana (Traveler's delight) — botanical photograph
Pl. E10B — Apios priceana
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I

Overview

Traveler's delight (Apios priceana) is a perennial vine native to the southeastern United States, found in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This plant thrives in moist, light to partial shade environments with well-draining soil, making it adaptable but preferring sandy or medium-textured soils. Known for its edible root, which can be harvested after several years of growth, traveler's delight is both a culinary and ornamental addition to gardens. Its distinctive feature includes the large, heart-shaped leaves and showy white flowers that appear in late spring, creating an attractive landscape presence.

Quick answers

What is Traveler's delight?

Traveler's delight (Apios priceana) is a perennial vine native to the southeastern United States, found in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This plant thrives in moist, light to partial shade environments with well-draining soil, making it adaptable but preferring sandy or medium-textured soils.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Traveler's delight thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows well in hardiness zones 6-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial can reach heights of up to 3 meters and produces edible roots. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Skip mulching if natural moisture levels are sufficient. Propagate through division or seed.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Traveler's delight for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Traveler's delight in a sunny spot, and you'll have a rewarding experience as a beginner gardener.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Traveler's delight tubers, garden gloves, trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or early fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with moist, light soil. Amend heavy soils with sand for better drainage.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant tubers 30-45 cm apart in rows spaced about 60 cm. Plant at a depth of 10-15 cm.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize once in early spring with compost.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune vines back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent overcrowding.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Planting too deep, not providing enough moisture, neglecting to prune, over-fertilizing, planting in heavy clay soil.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Traveler's delight (Apios priceana) is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the roots are dug from the ground and prepared by boiling or roasting to enhance their flavor. Skip
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 5 native
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Apios priceana (Traveler's delight) — botanical photograph
Traveler's delight (Apios priceana)
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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