A perennial vine, arising from slender rhizomes, groundnut produces from 3–7 leaflets. The purplish brown flowers are more robust than those of the hog-peanut and produce coiling pods. They are borne in densely flowered racemes. Produces a series of tubers, which are highly-prized edibles.

Common in southwestern Nova Scotia, to Cumberland and Antigonish counties. Absent from Atlantic coast.

Tubers should be cooked or steamed, much like a potato: finer in texture and nuttier in flavour.

Apparently Japan has made an industry of growing groundnuts. Here, they are considered a prized wild edible.