How much sun does Thicket Bean need?

Thicket Bean grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Thicket Bean bloom?

Thicket Bean blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Thicket Bean native?

Thicket Bean (Phaseolus polystachios) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Thicket Bean host?

Thicket Bean is a larval host plant for silver-spotted skipper.

Is Thicket Bean HOA-friendly?

Thicket Bean takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Thicket Bean

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Phaseolus polystachios

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Thicket Bean (Phaseolus polystachios) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–240" H × 12"–48" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Wild bean is a native climbing vine that produces small purple flowers in summer and fall. It can reach up to 20 feet in height when given proper support, making it useful for covering trellises, fences, or arbors. The plant dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from its roots in spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Thicket 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.

Very tall growth appears uncontrolled
Dies back messily in winter
Wild appearance doesn't fit formal landscaping

Wildlife value

Host plant for silver-spotted skipper.

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the long blooming period from July through September. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Thicket Bean need?: Thicket Bean grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Thicket Bean bloom?: Thicket Bean blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Thicket Bean native?: Thicket Bean (Phaseolus polystachios) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Thicket Bean host?: Thicket Bean is a larval host plant for silver-spotted skipper.
Is Thicket Bean HOA-friendly?: Thicket 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

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