Ornamental Peanut is an attractive, low maintenance groundcover. This drought-tolerant, hardy perennial requires no supplemental water after it is established. It is in the peanut family, thus it makes its own nitrogen. This eliminates the need of nitrogen fertilizers. It has no known pests or disease which makes it an excellent ground cover of choice!
This plant grows to a height of 6 inches tall, has a deep green leaf, and is sometimes used as an alternative to sod. It requires a well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. As a side benefit, it has a beautiful yellow flower from early spring through summer and into late fall.
This plant in not a particularly aggressive specimen and in fact, like most lawns, goes dormant in the winter; however it is best to keep it contained. If you are in an area where deer are a problem this is not a plant you would want to install. Its mother plant has the nickname “Florida Alfalfa” and is sometimes grown as feed stock for horses and as an attractant and food supply on deer preserves.
Like all plants, there is an establishment period but once established the Ornamental Peanut has great drought tolerance. It will go dormant in all areas in cold winters but will come back in early spring and does not require replanting once established. This is a great plant for use in xeriscape designs because of its hardiness and outstanding drought tolerance. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11.