Golden Ornamental Peanut, Perennial Peanut – Arachis glabrata

General Landscape Uses: Ground cover

Ecological Restoration Notes: Improve soil quality, prevent erosion, support biodiversity

Description: Perennial Peanut is a great ground cover that some people even use as an alternative to grass. Like grass, it can be mowed or walked on.  It is drought tolerant and salt tolerant, making it a hardy and easy-to-grow plant.  Aside from being nice and lush, Perennial Peanut also gets a yellow flower that makes it very attractive.

Dimensions: Height 6 in.

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Native Range: South America

Native Habitats: Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands

Soils: Well-drained sandy or loamy, (pH 5.5 – 7.5)

Nutritional Requirements: Moderate

Salt Water Tolerance: Low

Salt Wind Tolerance: Low to moderate

Drought Tolerance: High

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Flower Color: Yellow

Flower Characteristics: Small, pea-like

Flowering Season: Spring through fall

Fruit: Legume pod, small

Wildlife and Ecology: Soil stabilization and erosion control, soil improvement

Horticultural Notes: Propagated by rhizome pieces, sprigging (cuttings)