Hog Peanut
Amphicarpaea bracteata
Fabaceae
Biocultural Value
The plant is a common food of several Native American tribes. It also has medicinal uses. It is cultivated for its edible seed, which is used as a peanut substitute. An infusion of the root is used in the treatment of diarrhoea.
Externally, the root is applied to bites from rattlesnakes.
Wildlife Value
It is a larval host for silver-spotted skipper and northern cloudywing butterflies. Nodules formed by certain strains of Rhizobium bacteria on the roots fix atmospheric nitrogen which is utilized by the growing plant and by other plants growing nearby.
Location
Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Fall Creek Gorge, Fischer Old-growth Forest, Ringwood Ponds, Steep Hollow Creek, Mundy Wildflower GardenStatus
L4|S5|G5
