Aeschynomene, also known as American Joint Vetch, is a summer annual legume that is native to the Southeastern United States. Joint Vetch is widely used for forage and hay production and serves as an excellent choice for wildlife food plots. Aeschynomene Americana, or Common Aeschynomene, is a true annual that flowers and produces seeds in early fall; the plants typically die after their seeds mature. This legume is considered slow-growing and will experience a "pause" in growth as it establishes its root system before sprouting up. It thrives best in moist, fertile soils with good surface drainage. At maturity, the plant can reach a height of 3 to 6 feet.