Amphicarpa bracteata

A short climbing vine, this species is an annual or short-lived perennial that reseeds in appropriate conditions. It forms two types of flowers & seeds. Upper portions of the plant have pea-like flowers (it is a legume) while cleistogamous (non-opening, self-fertilizing) flowers form at or just below ground level. The latter flowers have seeds which readily germinate and the plant can appear to be perennial. Larval host to some skipper & cloudywing butterflies.