Groundnut

Member of Legume (bean) family

Blooms: May - October

Here is another new find for me. It is so unique and beautiful. We found this growing on a road bank along a back dirt road.

The Groundnut is a perennial vine that twines and climbs. Its tiny clusters of flowers resemble the wisteria, though not related. Each bloom is about 1/4 to 1/2 " and the cluster is about 4" long. Its color is quite unique, going from pale pink to a brownish purple or maroon.

Ground nut grows on roadbanks, along woodland edges and near marshes and moist soils. It is found in north, south east, parts of central and the eastern Panhandle of Texas.

This flower is classified as one of Texas' most beautiful legumes, though I still vote for the Texas Bluebonnet!! It has large potato like tubers that were used as a food source for Native Americans. Another common name is Potato Bean. Be sure to click on picture for a closer look at this beautiful little flower.