Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Last reviewed: August 2026

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
Native alternatives to Bean
Bean is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 areaCommon 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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


