We wonder how many of our native plant friends have grown the amazing potato-bean. Apios priceana is a Federally Threatened native vine with a distribution in only two dozen counties, centered around central Tennessee. Apios priceana, the much rarer cousin of our native Apios americana, forms a 10′ tall, well-behaved climbing bean, topped from June through August (NC) with attractive clusters of fragrant, light lavender flowers. The flowers, pollinated by both bees and long-tailed skippers, are soon followed by pea-like pods. Our plants have thrived in humus enriched loamy soil in half day sun. The edible tubers, consumed by Native Americans, reportedly taste like sweet potatoes when roasted…we haven’t indulged.
