When does slick-seed fuzzy bean bloom?

It typically flowers from July through September, producing small pink blooms along its twining stems.

What pollinators visit slick-seed fuzzy bean?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, drawn to the small pea-like flowers during the summer bloom period.

How much water does this vine need?

It tolerates dry conditions well and does not need supplemental watering once established, making it suited to sandy or well-drained soils.

What light conditions does slick-seed fuzzy bean prefer?

It grows best in full sun, where it can twine over grasses and low shrubs in open, exposed sites.

Is slick-seed fuzzy bean a woody or herbaceous vine?

It is a herbaceous, deciduous vine that dies back each year and regrows from its root system.

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.

Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Strophostyles leiosperma

Last reviewed: August 2026

Slick-seed fuzzy bean is a slender, twining vine that blooms from July through September with small pink flowers favored by bees and butterflies. It thrives in dry, sunny spots like sandy fields, open woods, and prairie edges.

Toxicity unknown

Slick-seed Fuzzy Bean (Strophostyles leiosperma) 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

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

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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 slick-seed fuzzy bean bloom?: It typically flowers from July through September, producing small pink blooms along its twining stems.
What pollinators visit slick-seed fuzzy bean?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, drawn to the small pea-like flowers during the summer bloom period.
How much water does this vine need?: It tolerates dry conditions well and does not need supplemental watering once established, making it suited to sandy or well-drained soils.
What light conditions does slick-seed fuzzy bean prefer?: It grows best in full sun, where it can twine over grasses and low shrubs in open, exposed sites.
Is slick-seed fuzzy bean a woody or herbaceous vine?: It is a herbaceous, deciduous vine that dies back each year and regrows from its root system.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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