Plant DetailShow Menu

Phaseolus coccineus is often confused with:
Phaseolus vulgaris beans

Phaseolus coccineus

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
FAZ-ee-oh-lus kok-SIN-ee-us
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Direct seed outdoors after the danger of frost has passed; pollen not viable when temperatures are above 90°F; prefers average moisture and good drainage.

The edible flowers are mild and crunchy. They only last for a day or two.  Use raw, boiled, steamed or sauteed.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Albus'
  • 'Painted lady'
  • 'Purple Aztec'
  • 'Sunset'
  • 'The Czar'
'Albus', 'Painted lady', 'Purple Aztec', 'Sunset', 'The Czar'
Tags:
 
Mature plant in bloom
Mature plant in bloom Acabashi CC BY-SA 3.0
Flower
Flower EvaK CC BY-SA 3.0
Fruit
Fruit Rasbak CC BY-SA 3.0
Beans
Beans at various stages of maturity, the largest being the most fully ripe Hugowolf CC BY 3.0
Botanical Illustration
Botanical Illustration Otto Wilhelm Public Domain Mark 1.0
Flower and Leaves
Flower and Leaves H. Zell CC BY-SA 3.0
Form
Form H. Zell CC BY-SA 3.0
Flower
Flower Algirdas CC BY-SA 3.0
Form
Form Anna reg CC BY-SA 3.0 AT
Form
Form Danny Steven S. CC BY-SA 3.0
Fruit
Fruit H. Zell CC BY-SA 3.0
Flowers and Leaves
Flowers and Leaves Penarc CC BY 3.0
Flowers and Leaves
Flowers and Leaves Tarquin CC BY-SA 3.0
Form
Form Traumrune CC BY-SA 3.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Albus'
  • 'Painted lady'
  • 'Purple Aztec'
  • 'Sunset'
  • 'The Czar'
'Albus', 'Painted lady', 'Purple Aztec', 'Sunset', 'The Czar'
Tags:
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Phaseolus
    Species:
    coccineus
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Climbing Method:
    Twining
    Edibility:
    Edible green pods that turn purple
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Vine
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Orange
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Red flowers mid summer to frost; edible green pods that turn purple; seeds are black, mottled red
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Attracts:
    Hummingbirds
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    In large amounts, the raw or undercooked beans can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually resolves within a few hours.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Trace amounts of phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Seeds