Ornamental Peanut

Plant Overview

Ornamental Peanut (Arachis glabrata), also known as Perennial Peanut or Rhizoma Peanut, is a hardy, low-growing perennial groundcover admired for its bright golden-yellow flowers, lush green foliage, and dense spreading growth habit. Its small, pea-shaped blooms provide cheerful color throughout Florida's warmer months while attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. An excellent low-maintenance alternative to traditional turfgrass in areas with limited foot traffic, Ornamental Peanut thrives in sunny locations and well-draining sandy soil. Its underground rhizomes create a thick carpet of greenery that helps suppress weeds and stabilize soil on slopes. With excellent drought tolerance and minimal fertilizer requirements, this versatile groundcover is an attractive choice for Florida-friendly landscapes.

Key Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Arachis glabrata

• Common Names: Ornamental Peanut, Perennial Peanut, Rhizoma Peanut

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial groundcover

• Mature Height: Approximately 4–8 inches for low-growing ornamental varieties

• Mature Spread: Spreads continuously through underground rhizomes to form dense groundcover

• Growth Rate: Moderate during establishment, becoming vigorous once established

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, mat-forming, and dense

• Foliage: Small, bright green to deep green leaflets arranged in groups of four

• Flowers: Vibrant golden-yellow to yellow-orange, pea-shaped blooms

• Blooming Season: Spring through fall, with abundant flowering during Florida's warm summer months

• USDA Hardiness Zones: Approximately 8–11, depending on cultivar and growing conditions

• Florida Growing Zones: Suitable for year-round outdoor cultivation throughout North, Central, and South Florida, including Zones 8–11. Plants may enter winter dormancy in colder areas but generally return with warmer spring temperatures.

• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, with the most abundant flowering in full sun

• Special Features: Drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing, pollinator-friendly, resistant to many common pests and diseases, low-maintenance, and excellent for erosion control and lawn alternatives

Plant Care Guide

• Sunlight: Plant in full sun for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ornamental Peanut tolerates partial shade, although reduced sunlight may result in fewer flowers and less dense coverage.

• Watering: Water regularly after planting to encourage healthy root establishment and spreading. Consistent moisture is especially important during the initial establishment period. Once established, Ornamental Peanut is highly drought-tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during prolonged dry periods.

• Soil: Prefers sandy or loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally around 5.8–7.0. Ornamental Peanut adapts well to Florida's sandy soils and tolerates relatively low nutrient levels. Avoid consistently saturated soil or areas with prolonged standing water.

• Fertilizing: Requires little to no nitrogen fertilizer because it naturally fixes nitrogen through beneficial bacteria associated with its roots. Supplemental nutrients such as potassium or magnesium may be beneficial if soil testing identifies a deficiency. Avoid unnecessary fertilizer applications.

• Pruning: Regular mowing is not required. However, occasional mowing or trimming can help maintain a uniform appearance, encourage denser growth, and promote additional flowering. Use landscape edging to prevent underground rhizomes from spreading beyond designated planting areas.

• Cold Protection: Ornamental Peanut is a perennial that tolerates seasonal temperature changes throughout Florida. In North and Central Florida, foliage may turn brown or die back following frost or freezing weather. Established plants typically regrow from their underground rhizomes when temperatures warm in spring.

• Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to serious pest and disease problems, including many common nematodes and soilborne pathogens. Occasional insect damage may occur, but significant pest issues are uncommon. Maintain appropriate drainage to encourage healthy root growth.

• Additional Care Tips: Space plants approximately 12–18 inches apart to encourage continuous groundcover as they mature. Ornamental Peanut is especially effective for low-traffic lawn alternatives, landscape beds, slopes, erosion control, and xeriscaping. Although it tolerates occasional foot traffic, stepping stones are recommended in frequently traveled areas. Its dense foliage helps suppress weeds once established, while its yellow flowers provide a valuable nectar source for pollinators.