Apios americana

If you are a native plant fan, you should be familiar with Apios americana (A. tuberosa), the ground nut. This plant’s tuber was a vital source of food for Native Americans and early colonists. A member of the pea family, Papilionaceae, this herbaceous vine has a tuberous root described as tasting similar to the potato.

Also know as Indian potato, A. americana provides 17% crude protein, that is 3 times more than the potato. It can be harvested throughout the year. It is recommended that this starch be broiled or roasted before consuming. It has also been identified as one of the Plants For a Future – edible, medicinal, and useful plants for a healthier world.

Apios americana in the Cosby Courtyard. photo credit: R. Robert

The ground nut is currently blooming in the Cosby Courtyard with attractive pink to red flowers, typical of the pea family. As a gardener, this stoloniferous plant can become weedy when planted in a traditional garden bed. In the Cosby Courtyard, the vine is contained and grows attractively with Clematis ‘Mme. Julia Correvon’. It also makes a great container plant.

Apios americana climbing a post in the Cosby Courtyard. photo credit: R. Robert

Explore the complete, unique collection of vines growing in the Cosby Courtyard at Sunset Sippin’: Vines and Penn 1681 Vodka tonight from 6 to 8 pm. Experiment with our native vine, Apios americana, as an attractive herbaceous vine for your garden and an edible vegetable for your table.