Common names: smooth seed wild bean, slickseed wild bean, small wild bean

Scientific names: Strophostyles leiosperma (Phaseolus leiospermus)

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer (for Strophostyles spp. complex)

Characteristics: Native, annual, warm season, vining forb climbing to 6.0 feet. Stems are early erect, becoming trailing or twining; upper leaves alternate, pinnately trifoliolate compound, stipulate; leaflets 3, variable in shape but usually linear-oblong ovate, stipels present; inflorescence of few flowers, axillary; fruit is a beanlike pod, sessile on the peduncle. Flowers May-October.

Plant community type: Primarily in open grassland areas, but also occurs along wooded edges.

Comments: Responds favorably to late winter-early spring burns. Discouraged by late winter discing.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family