Apios americana

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Apios americana

Also known as: Groundnut

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Climb

Format: Smal

Height: 1.20 m

Width: - m

Growth Rate: -

Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-7

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Root, Seed, Seedpod

Edibility:
(5)

Medicinal:
(1)

Features:
Companion, Latex, Carbon farming, Nitrogen, Fragrant, Parasiticide

Description

The tubers of this plant can be consumed both raw and cooked and have a delicious flavor similar to roasted sweet potatoes. You can also dry the tubers and grind them into powder, which can be used as a thickening agent in soups or added to grain flour for bread. With a protein content of 17%, these tubers offer three times as much protein as potatoes. The first harvest of tubers can take place in the first year, but only after two to three years is an abundant harvest possible, with a yield of up to about 2.3 kilograms per plant. The best time to harvest them is in the fall, after which they can be stored until spring. The seeds of this plant, which can also be eaten cooked, are quite small and can be compared to peas and beans. They are a good source of protein and can also be ground into powder for use in bread products.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/09

End of Harvest: 31/10

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Diospyros lotus Date Plum	Diospyros lotus and Apios americana can enhance each other's growth. The nitrogen-fixing ability of Apios benefits Diospyros, while Diospyros provides shade and support.
Carya illinoinensis Pecans	Intercropping with Carya illinoinensis can enhance soil quality through the organic matter returned by both species and also prevent soil erosion.
Carya laciniosa Shellbark Hickory	Carya laciniosa complements Apios americana by providing additional nitrogen fixation and promoting a diverse root system that benefits soil structure.
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut	Castanea sativa creates a canopy that can protect Apios americana from harsh conditions while benefiting from the rich soil created by Apios’s roots.
Corylus avellana Hazel	Corylus avellana can provide a protective environment alongside Apios americana, helping with humidity retention and improving soil fertility over time.
Juglans regia English Walnut	Juglans regia may offer some shade for Apios americana, while also benefiting from the nitrogen-fixing activities that help enrich the soil.
Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle	Lonicera japonica supports Apios americana by acting as a ground cover that retains moisture and prevents weed growth.
Rubus idaeus Raspberry	Rubus idaeus can provide a supportive structure for Apios americana to grow on, and both plants can thrive in similar soil conditions.