Family: Fabaceae

Perennial peanut is a nitrogen-fixing groundcover. Readily establishing, it grows into a dense mat that suppresses weeds. The clover-like leaves are an excellent forage, and it persists with heavy grazing. 

It is a perfect border for garden beds as it feeds your plants while keeping weeds from creeping in. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. This plant roots easily from clippings, make sure some nodes are covered with soil. Keep your newly planted bed weeded and water until it is well established.

Plant Uses:

• Erosion control
• Nitrogen fixer

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability and elevation range
  
• Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Reported to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands (Kauai, and Oahu), Australia and possibly elsewhere.
  
• A potential weed of roadsides, footpaths, lawns, disturbed sites, waste areas, plantation crops and riparian vegetation.
  
• Shade tolerant.
  
• Tolerates many soil types.
  
• May form dense swards that could exclude other vegetation.
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by creeping stolons.
  
• Self-fertile
  
• May reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds and vegetative fragments may be dispersed by water, and through intentional cultivation.
  
• Tolerates and resprouts after grazing, mowing and fire.

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Highly palatable
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Seed set is underground, reducing risk of accidental dispersal
  
• Seeds are soft and digestible and not spread through animals
  
• Certain herbicides may provide effective control