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Trailing Fuzzybean

Strophostyles helvola

Last reviewed: June 2026

Trailing Fuzzybean (Strophostyles helvola)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. South National Technical Center, Fort Worth. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–72" H × 12"–72" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 23 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Trailing fuzzybean is a native vine that produces small pink or purple flowers from summer through early fall. This annual legume spreads along the ground or climbs nearby plants, creating a naturalistic groundcover that dies back each winter and reseeds itself.

In an HOA neighborhood

Trailing Fuzzybean 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 unkempt
  • May climb on structures or other plants

Wildlife value

Host plant for long-tailed skipper.

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil and provides seeds for birds.

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.

Does Trailing Fuzzybean fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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