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Multiflora Bean

Phaseolus coccineus (FAZ-ee-oh-lus kok-SIN-ee-us)

Family: Fabaceae Unknown Vine (vertical)

Direct seed outdoors after the danger of frost has passed; pollen not viable when temperatures are above 90°F; prefers average moisture and good drainage. The edible flowers are mild and crunchy. They only last for a day or two. Use raw, boiled, steamed or sauteed.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 31 attributes.

How it fits the guild

Guild layer 6 - Vine (vertical)
See companions & conflicts ↓

Companions & Conflicts

Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.

No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.

Also noted by NC State

Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.

Often confused with Phaseolus vulgaris
Fills a similar niche Brassica oleracea Kohlrabi Group Hibiscus hamabo Phaseolus vulgaris

Full plant profile

Growing Conditions
Plant type
Annual; Vine
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Growth rate
Rapid
Canopy layer
6 - Vine (vertical)
Form & Appearance
Texture
Coarse
Hairs present
No
Flower color
Orange
Flower value
Edible
Flower detail
Red flowers mid summer to frost; edible green pods that turn purple; seeds are black, mottled red
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit value
Edible
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Attracts
Hummingbirds
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Fruit

Edibility

Edible green pods that turn purple

Landscape Use
Landscape theme
Edible Garden
Garden tags
#hortcontest
Problems & Resistance
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Seeds
Poison symptoms
In large amounts, the raw or undercooked beans can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually resolves within a few hours.
Toxic principle
Trace amounts of phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin
Contact dermatitis
No
Toxicity summary
Low severity poison; parts: Seeds

Planted at Hunnicutt

Nobody’s planted this one yet.