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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: July 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 Thicket Bean? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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