Amphicarpaea bracteata – American hog-peanut

Hog peanuts can be identified by their alternate, trifoliate leaves which are attached to a thin stem.

Hog peanuts produce 2 different types of flowers and seeds. The plant produces pea-like flowers in late summer. These flowers are followed by pods with 3-4 seeds. These seeds can be collected in fall and cooked and eaten similarly to lentils.

 

Hog peanuts also produce inconspicuous flowers in their lower branches. These flowers are followed by single-seeded pods which bury themselves just below the soil surface. These underground fruits, or “peanuts”, can be harvested fall-winter and eaten raw or boiled.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.