(Apios americana)
American groundnut, AKA hopniss, is a native, surprisingly lesser known edible tuber in the legume family. Historically a staple crop among Indigenous populations, groundnuts are starchy, potato-like tubers with a nutty flavor and high protein content. The tubers grow along shallow strands of roots and can be harvested after 1-2 seasons. Those left in the ground will overwinter and resprout, or tubers can be dug and stored to be planted again in the spring, producing a whole new plant. These adaptable perennials make a great companion plant for gardens and food forests, as its shallow roots fix nitrogen. Above ground vines will climb up and twine around nearby support and may produce puffy brown-maroon flower clusters in warmer climates with longer seasons. ‘LSU Groundnut’ is an improved cultivar that produces much larger tubers than would be found in wild populations, especially if left in the ground for 2 full seasons.
Taste Profile: Nutty, starchy, potato, peanut, bean
Hardiness zone: 3-10
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, organic soil with pH 5.5-7
Mature height: 6-12’ vines
Spacing: 1-2’
Pollination: Self-fertile
Planting tips: The ideal location to plant is shaded or mulched ground that will stay cool and moist, but allow vines to grow in full sun for maximum tuber production. Growing on a trellis will improve access to sunlight and greatly increase yield. For an early start, tubers can be pre-sprouted in indoor pots or in flats in a greenhouse and then planted out. Plant 2-3” deep.
Growing tips: Smaller, fingerling-sized tubers can be harvested the first fall after vines die back. For larger, potato-like tubers it is suggested to wait 2 full growing seasons before harvest.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California.
All Winter ‘25-’26 orders are for dormant, bare root plants and will be shipped or available for pick up in March-April ‘26.
(Apios americana)
American groundnut, AKA hopniss, is a native, surprisingly lesser known edible tuber in the legume family. Historically a staple crop among Indigenous populations, groundnuts are starchy, potato-like tubers with a nutty flavor and high protein content. The tubers grow along shallow strands of roots and can be harvested after 1-2 seasons. Those left in the ground will overwinter and resprout, or tubers can be dug and stored to be planted again in the spring, producing a whole new plant. These adaptable perennials make a great companion plant for gardens and food forests, as its shallow roots fix nitrogen. Above ground vines will climb up and twine around nearby support and may produce puffy brown-maroon flower clusters in warmer climates with longer seasons. ‘LSU Groundnut’ is an improved cultivar that produces much larger tubers than would be found in wild populations, especially if left in the ground for 2 full seasons.
Taste Profile: Nutty, starchy, potato, peanut, bean
Hardiness zone: 3-10
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist, organic soil with pH 5.5-7
Mature height: 6-12’ vines
Spacing: 1-2’
Pollination: Self-fertile
Planting tips: The ideal location to plant is shaded or mulched ground that will stay cool and moist, but allow vines to grow in full sun for maximum tuber production. Growing on a trellis will improve access to sunlight and greatly increase yield. For an early start, tubers can be pre-sprouted in indoor pots or in flats in a greenhouse and then planted out. Plant 2-3” deep.
Growing tips: Smaller, fingerling-sized tubers can be harvested the first fall after vines die back. For larger, potato-like tubers it is suggested to wait 2 full growing seasons before harvest.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California.
All Winter ‘25-’26 orders are for dormant, bare root plants and will be shipped or available for pick up in March-April ‘26.
