Fabacées • Amphicarpaea bracteata

Climbing ground bean - Organic

"It slips discreetly into shadowy corners, weaves connections with the earth and the sky, and offers to those who observe it the secret of its hidden treasures."

$4.49

Number of seeds 15 seeds

Native to central and eastern North America, the ground-climbing bean, also called bracteole amphicarpus , is a graceful and unique plant belonging to the Fabaceae family.

A perennial with flexible growth and twining stems, it clings to natural structures or neighboring plants in the garden, rising with a confident lightness. It is perfectly at home in shady corners, damp edges, or transitional gardens, where it integrates effortlessly into the cycle of life.

Its unique botanical feature lies in its dual fruiting: inedible aerial pods and edible underground seeds resembling small peas. It enriches the soil with nitrogen and promotes a thriving root system. A perfect partner for permaculture, it combines discretion, hardiness, and resilience, while supporting valuable biodiversity.

Growing climate: Warm temperate climate
Sowing difficulty level: Easy
Care required: Regular

Note: Sensitive to frost, requires strong staking.

It is its underground seeds, sometimes called "ground peas," that are prized for their mild flavor and dense texture. Cooked like regular legumes, they complement soups, stews, or traditional Native American dishes.

Known to indigenous peoples for its nutritional value and its ability to grow in difficult places, this plant evokes the ancient knowledge of the food garden.

The Gardens of the Ecumene offer both types of seeds — aerial and underground — to allow curious people to discover or cultivate this amazing plant in a respectful and rooted way.