Hog Peanut

(Amphicarpaea bracteata)

Hog Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata [L] Fern.)

Identification: A vine twining among other herbs and shrubs. Flowers of two kinds. Visible flowers pealike but elongate, violet, and arranged in compact clusters, commonly hanging downward. Pods curved with 3 or 4 spotted beans. Second flower type (cleistogamous) without petals and located near the base of the plant producing a fleshy pod with a single seed. Leaves with 3 leaflets. Each leaflet broad with a pointed apex and a tapering base.

Distribution: Throughout eastern and central North America.

Habitat: Hog Peanut is found in wet woods and thickets.

Flowering period: August to September.

Similar Species: The bundles of elongate, violet flowers are distinctive.