Groundnut

(Apios americana)

 

   

 

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Groundnut (Apios americana Medik.)

Identification: A vine climbing over shrubs and tall herbs. Flowers pink on the outside, maroon to rich brown on the inside. Top of flower with a curved, hornlike structure. Flowers very aromatic. Flowers arranged in thick clusters. Seedpods elongate and curved. Leaves divided into 5 to 7 leaflets, 1 apical leaflet and 2 or 3 lateral pairs. Leaflets broad and pointed at their apices.

Distribution: Throughout eastern and central North America.

Habitat: Groundnut is found in thickets and young woods.

Flowering period: July to September.

Similar Species: The unique flowers of Groundnut are distinctive.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

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