Minnesota Wildflowers


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Apios americana (Groundnut)

Plant Info
Also known as: American Potato-bean, Indian Potato
Genus:Apios
Family:Fabaceae (Pea)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, sun; moist woods and thickets, along shores
Bloom season:July - September
Plant height:3 to 10 foot vine
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular raceme round

[photo of flower] Flowers are irregular with a large upper lip that is divided into 2 “wings”, a lower lip with 2 small lobes and a curved gland protruding from the center. The outside of the upper lip is a dull light pink to brown and the lower lobes are dark red, purplish maroon to brown. A string of 5 to 10 flowers arises from the leaf axils and may be in a round cluster, or more spread out spike-like.

Leaves and stem: alternate compound

[photo of leaves] Leaves are compound in groups of 5 or 7; leaflets are up to 2½ inches long and 1 inch wide with a wide rounded base and pointed tip, on short stems. This is a vine that lacks tendrils, so the stem entwines around other plants to support itself.

Notes:

The tubers produced by Groundnut are edible and are more nutritious than potatoes. The seeds are also edible.

Where to buy native seed and plants

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  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN and Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Coon Rapids, MN August 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: dnpw in West Medicine Lake Park
on: 2010-08-14 23:11:51

This vine is found along the shore of Medicine Lake at the West Medicine Lake beach

Posted by: Ingrid in Embarrass
on: 2012-01-15 15:50:04

Found in woodland area not far from the Pike River.

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