South Florida Gardening: Using Perennial Peanut as a Lawn Replacement

If you've ever tried to maintain a lawn in South Florida, you know how time consuming and expensive that can be. The only two viable grasses here, St. Augustine and Bahia, are either very thirsty, insect prone, or need a lot of fertilizer. Add to that the time and expense of mowing, and you have a recipe for disenchantment with South Florida lawn maintenance.

Due to rapid development, many South Florida urban communities have implemented year-round water restrictions and encourage the use of drought tolerant plants. All this may make you think of replacing your lawn with an easy care ground cover. If you like low growing, quick spreading plants with pretty flowers, you should consider replacing your lawn with perennial peanut.

What is Perennial Peanut?

Perennial peanut (Arachis giabrata, Benth) is native to tropical South America and was introduced from Brazil in 1936. Since then, there have been no insect, disease or nematode pests identified that would cause an economic loss. It hasn't spread into natural habitats or become a nuisance plant in Florida's undeveloped areas. Since it doesn't reproduce by seed, it can't be spread easily into unintended spaces.

Due to its high drought, pathogen, and nematode resistance, as well as its need for very little fertilizer, it is becoming very popular as an ornamental ground cover in South Florida.I planted three one-gallon plants on the east side of my yard, and it covered a 12 x 15 foot area within two years.

How does Perennial Peanut Grow?

Perennial peanut grows best in full sun, and in hot, humid weather and long days, making it perfectly suited to our harsh South Florida summers. It will live in partial shade, but it will not get as thick.

This fast-growing plant is adaptable to well drained soils, and does well in South Florida's sandy soil. It has had mixed results on high pH soils, clay soils, or soils high in phosphorous. Highly alkaline soils may cause yellowing. Since it is a legume, it fixes nitrogen, eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilization.

It also tolerates salt drift, salt spray, and even short term saltwater flooding. It has been successfully planted in Key West, without being affected by salt.

Perennial peanut spreads by underground rhizomes, and to the delight of many South Florida homeowners, may only require mowing once or twice a year.The only complaint I have about it is that the underground runners will spread into flowerbeds, but they don't harm the plants. In fact, the nitrogen-fixing properties make them beneficial and they are easily pulled from unwanted areas.

Benefits to the Environment

Due to it's not requiring supplemental nitrogen or phosphorous, perennial peanut saves valuable resources such as water, energy, money, and reduces environmental impact. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but its edible, peanut flavored flowers can be used to adorn your salads.

If you're looking for a nearly perfect ground cover for your Florida landscape, you can't go wrong with perennial peanut.

References:

University of Florida IFAS Extension: Guide to Using Rhizomal Perennial Peanut in the Urban Landscape

Personal knowledge and experience