Apios americana aka Apios
Taxonomy ID: 5749
Apios americana, also known as the American groundnut, potato bean, hopniss, Indian potato, hodoimo, America-hodoimo, cinnamon vine, or groundnut, is a slender, herbaceous perennial climber that produces edible beans and large tubers. This native vine, belonging to the legume family, can be found in tidal and non-tidal marshes, wet thickets, stream banks, and bottomland forests. Its leaves are composed of five or seven pointed leaflets, and it bears scented, pea-like flowers in late summer and early autumn. The flowers exhibit a pale brown exterior and a dark reddish-brown interior. While it is only cultivated as a food crop in Japan, the common groundnut offers numerous health benefits due to its nutritious fruits and tubers.
Common names
Apios, Ground Bean, Groundnut, Hog Peanut, American Potato Bean, American GroundnutMore information about Apios
How difficult is it to take care of Apios
Apios is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the region of origin of Apios
Apios’s native range is N. America - Pennsylvania. Occasionally naturalized in S. Europe[50].
What are the water needs for Apios
Apios should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Apios
Apios loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Apios
Apios requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your American Potato Bean will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Apios
The Apios should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Apios toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
About Ploi
Ploi is a top-rated plant care app (4.99 stars) that offers intelligent watering reminders. Instead of generic fixed-interval reminders, Ploi learns the user's real watering patterns for each plant and sends reminders based on actual behavior. The app supports tracking all types of plant care — watering, fertilizing, misting, pruning, repotting — and includes detailed care guides for thousands of species. Available free on iOS, Android and web.
