Crosswinds Marsh: A to Z

(Hog Peanut)

Hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata) is a perennial vine native to North America, commonly found in moist woodlands, thickets, and along stream banks. This plant belongs to the legume family and is recognizable by its trifoliate leaves and clusters of small, pea-like flowers. Hog peanut exhibits an interesting reproductive strategy known as amphicarpy, producing two types of flowers: aboveground flowers, which are typical and produce seeds, and underground flowers, which produce subterranean fruits called peanut-like tubers. This unique adaptation allows hog peanut to propagate both by seed dispersal and vegetative reproduction, enhancing its ability to colonize and spread in its habitat.

In terms of its lifecycle, hog peanut germinates in the spring from seeds produced the previous year. It grows vigorously throughout the growing season, climbing adjacent vegetation or structures with the help of twining stems. Aboveground flowers appear in mid to late summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As the season progresses, underground flowers develop near the base of the plant, producing subterranean tubers that can overwinter and give rise to new plants the following spring. Hog peanut's ability to produce both aboveground and underground reproductive structures contributes to its resilience and success in diverse ecological settings, making it an important component of forest understory communities.

The Cache: This cache is one of twenty-six that were placed for the 2024 Naturefest. The series focuses on the flora, fauna, creatures, and insects that may be found in Crosswinds Marsh. This cache is a small lock and lock style container hidden along the horse trail

It has been placed with the permission of Wayne County Parks. A permit has been submitted and is on file at the park office.

Crosswinds Marsh Rules
No fires
No bikes / ATVs / personal watercraft
No swimming or ice fishing
Dogs must be leashed
No alcohol or illegal substances
No camping
Fishing in designated areas only
Collecting of plants & animals prohibited
Park only at N 42° 05.744' W 83° 26.552'
All Geocachers must follow the above rules.
Crosswinds Marsh is open from DAWN to DUSK. Admission is FREE.

The Crosswinds Cache Crew pledge to develop and maintain quality and interesting geocaches in the Marsh consistent with Geocaching and Wayne County Parks rules and permit process.