Rhizoma Peanut: A South American Groundcover Making Its Mark in the Southeast
Meet the rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata), a lesser-known cousin of the common peanut that’s been quietly establishing itself across parts of the southeastern United States. This perennial groundcover has an interesting story – it’s not native to North America, but it’s found its niche in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, where it grows wild without any human intervention.
What Exactly Is Rhizoma Peanut?
Don’t expect to harvest snackable peanuts from this plant! Rhizoma peanut is a low-growing forb – basically a non-woody herbaceous plant – that spreads by underground stems called rhizomes. Originally from South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, this perennial has made itself at home in warmer parts of the U.S. Southeast.
The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers that look like tiny versions of garden pea blooms, which makes sense since it’s part of the legume family. Its compound leaves give it a delicate, almost fern-like appearance that can add subtle texture to a landscape.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
Currently, rhizoma peanut has established populations in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It tends to thrive in areas with warm temperatures and can persist year after year once it gets going.
Should You Plant Rhizoma Peanut in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. While rhizoma peanut isn’t considered invasive or harmful, it’s also not a native species. This puts it in a gray area for many gardeners who are trying to support local ecosystems.
The Pros:
- Excellent groundcover that helps prevent erosion
- Low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant
- Attracts bees and other small pollinators with its cheerful yellow flowers
- Fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving soil health
- Provides food for wildlife – large animals and birds get about 5-10% of their diet from this plant
- Spreads naturally through rhizomes, filling in bare spots
The Cons:
- Not native, so it won’t support specialized native insects and wildlife as effectively as indigenous plants
- Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions
- Better native alternatives exist for most landscaping needs
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for native groundcovers that provide similar benefits, consider these southeastern natives instead:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded areas
- Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) for woodland settings
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) for sunny spots
- Native sedges for erosion control
How to Grow Rhizoma Peanut Successfully
If you decide to grow rhizoma peanut, here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun for best growth and flowering
- Soil: Well-drained soils; adaptable to various soil types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular water during establishment
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants appropriately as they will spread via underground rhizomes
- Very low maintenance – mostly just needs occasional weeding until established
- No fertilizer needed thanks to its nitrogen-fixing abilities
- Monitor spread to ensure it doesn’t overtake other desired plants
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
One of rhizoma peanut’s redeeming qualities is its value to wildlife. Large animals and terrestrial birds rely on it for a small but consistent portion of their diet. The yellow flowers also provide nectar for bees and other small pollinators, though they’re not a primary food source.
The Bottom Line
Rhizoma peanut is one of those plants that sits in the middle ground – it’s not harmful, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for supporting native ecosystems either. If you’re dealing with erosion issues or need a tough groundcover for challenging spots, it can do the job. However, if you’re focused on creating habitat for native wildlife and supporting local biodiversity, you’ll probably want to stick with native alternatives that offer similar benefits while better supporting your local ecosystem.
Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your garden’s specific needs and your personal gardening philosophy!
