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Bean

Phaseolus vulgaris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–72" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Common bean is an annual vegetable crop that grows as a climbing vine or bush, producing edible pods and seeds. It requires support structures like trellises or poles and grows quickly in warm weather with regular watering.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bean takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Vegetable crop appearance inappropriate for ornamental landscaping
  • Requires utilitarian support structures like stakes or trellises
  • Dies back completely after harvest creating bare spots

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the summer blooming period. As a legume, it also helps improve soil nitrogen levels.

Common questions

How much sun does Bean need?
Bean grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bean bloom?
Bean blooms in June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Bean attract?
Bean draws bees.
Is Bean HOA-friendly?
Bean takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Bean? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz