The American Hog-Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata (Fabaceae))  is a summer annual vine, prized for its duality as both a wild edible and a medicinal plant. Its twining stems, delicate pea-like flowers, and dual seed types make it a fascinating member of Eastern North America’s flora. Found in moist, forested areas, it offers a connection to nature’s cycles through its edible seeds, medicinal roots, and symbolic ties to resilience and resourcefulness.

Etymology and Symbolism

The name “Hog-Peanut” originates from early observations of hogs rooting in the soil to eat the plant’s underground seeds, which resemble peanuts. Symbolically, the Hog-Peanut embodies adaptability and survival, as it thrives in shaded forest floors and produces two seed types to ensure its reproductive success.

Botanical Description

• Stem: Light green to reddish, slender, and twining, reaching lengths of 2–8 feet (0.5–2.5 m).
• Leaves: Compound, trifoliate leaves with oval, pointed leaflets. Terminal leaflets measure 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm), while lateral ones are shorter.
• Flowers: Two flower types are present:
  • Upper flowers are light pink or lavender, pea-like, and up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, producing pods containing 1–4 seeds.
  • Lower flowers are cleistogamous (self-pollinating) and grow into single fruits near or below ground.
• Seeds: Upper seeds are housed in pods; ground seeds are speckled and encased in durable pods.

Origins and Habitat

Native to Eastern North America, the American Hog-Peanut thrives in moist, forested environments, particularly along stream banks, woodland edges, and shaded areas. Its adaptive growth allows it to persist even in challenging conditions.

Edible Uses

The plant offers two main edible parts:

1. Ground Fruit: Found near or beneath the soil, harvested in fall or winter. It can be eaten raw or cooked.
2. Top Seeds: Harvested in fall when pods are plump. These seeds are best cooked to ensure safety.

How to Grow It

• Climate and Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils in shaded or semi-shaded environments.
• Propagation: Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in spring. Ensure the soil is moist to support germination.
• Maintenance: Minimal care is needed; however, ensure adequate water in dry spells. Hog-Peanut can twine around nearby vegetation for support, making it suitable for forest gardens or permaculture systems.

Medicinal Properties

The American Hog-Peanut has traditional uses in herbal medicine:

• Infusion of Roots: Used to relieve diarrhea.
• Root Poultice: Applied to rattlesnake bites to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Cultural and Magical Uses

• Cultural Significance: Indigenous peoples valued the plant for its dual food sources and medicinal properties.
• Magical Symbolism: Associated with grounding and duality, Hog-Peanut can be used in rituals for adaptability and resourcefulness. Its roots, deeply connected to the soil, symbolize stability and resilience.

How to Use It

1. Edible Use:
   • Harvest ground fruit in fall or winter. Consume raw or cooked.
   • Cook top seeds after shucking. Use caution, as some sources suggest they may be inedible for certain individuals.
2. Medicinal Use:
   • Prepare an infusion of roots for digestive issues.
   • Apply a poultice made from crushed roots for topical ailments like bites.

Precautions

• Toxicity: While the ground fruit is generally safe, some sources caution against consuming the top seeds without testing a small cooked portion first.
• Allergies: As with any wild edible, check for individual allergies or sensitivities before consumption.

References

1. Peterson, L. (2020). A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern North America.
2. Moerman, D. E. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany.
3. Thayer, S. A. (2006). Nature’s Garden: Edible Wild Plants.
4. USDA PLANTS Database: Amphicarpaea bracteata.