Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean
Strophostyles leiosperma
Last reviewed: June 2026
Strophostyles leiosperma is a native climbing vine found across the central and southern United States. This drought-tolerant legume produces small purple flowers from July through September.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–120" H × 12"–60" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, IL and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slick-seed bean is a native annual vine that climbs or trails through other plants, reaching 2-10 feet in length. It produces small pink to purple pea-like flowers from July through September, followed by small edible bean pods. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and poor soils where other plants struggle.
Growing Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean
Grow Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 120 inches tall and spread 12 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Vine growth habit appears uncontrolled
- Can look weedy or wild
- Annual nature creates gaps when plant dies back
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals in fall.
Common questions
- When does Strophostyles leiosperma bloom?
- Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean blooms from July through September, producing small purple to pink flowers that attract native bees and butterflies.
- Where is Strophostyles leiosperma native?
- This species is native to 17 states across the central and southern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- What pollinators visit Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean?
- The flowers attract native bees and butterflies, which serve as the primary pollinators for this native legume.
- How much water does Strophostyles leiosperma need?
- This drought-tolerant vine thrives in low to medium water conditions and is well-adapted to dry soils once established.
- Is Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean HOA-friendly?
- Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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