Skip to content
PlantSage.eu
ENRO
IIIFolio · plant profile№ D09Aedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read
Home/Plants/Fabaceae

Perennial peanut

Arachis glabratafam. Fabaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleperennialedibleedible fruitedible seedground covernative amperennial
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Arachis glabrata (Perennial peanut) — botanical photograph
Pl. D09A — Arachis glabrata
Arachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrataArachis glabrata
I

Overview

Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), a member of the Fabaceae family, is a light-loving perennial that thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil, which can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Native to regions including Argentina Northeast, Bolivia, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, and Paraguay, this plant is known for its edible flowers, which can be enjoyed raw or cooked and add a mild flavor to salads or steamed as a side dish. Perennial peanut can grow up to 0.3 meters in height, making it an attractive ornamental addition to gardens. Additionally, it serves as a cover crop, soil conditioner, and nitrogen fixer, contributing to soil health and fertility. Introduced into regions such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ghana, Kenya, Louisiana, and Tanzania, this versatile plant has found new homes beyond its native range. While not medicinal, perennial peanut is valued for its edible and ornamental qualities, making it a useful addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Perennial peanut?

Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata), a member of the Fabaceae family, is a light-loving perennial that thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil, which can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Perennial peanut thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows up to 0.3 meters tall as a perennial. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or divisions. Harvest the edible flowers for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Perennial peanut for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in warm climates and full sun.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Perennial peanut seeds or small plants, garden gloves, trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in late spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 20°C (68°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil, either light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types. Ensure full sun to partial shade.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced about 30 cm apart. Transplant small plants with care to avoid damaging roots.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide regular watering during dry spells. Fertilize sparingly if needed, using compost or well-rotted manure.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health and appearance. Flowers can be enjoyed but are not typically harvested.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Flowers
Edible uses: The flowers of the perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They add a mild flavor to salads or can be steamed as a side dish. Skip the detailed preparation methods here, as they were not provided in the data.
Other uses:Cover cropSoil conditionerNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

5 native · 7 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 5 native· 7 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Georgia
Americas2 regions
native (2)BoliviaParaguay
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)GhanaKenyaTanzania
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central
introduced:Alabama, Florida, Louisiana
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Arachis glabrata (Perennial peanut) — botanical photograph
Perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · d09ada15-1dd3-43a0-8548-3fa513a7ddf6
Decision aid
Choosing between Perennial peanut and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes