Common names: wild bean, trailing wild bean, amberique bean

Scientific names: Strophostyles helvola (Phaseolus helvolus, S. missouriensis)

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

Characteristics: Native, annual, warm season, vining forb climbing to 6.5 feet. Stems are early erect, becoming trailing or twining; upper leaves alternate, pinnately trifoliolate compound, stipulate; leaflets 3, variable in shape but commonly ovate or 3-lobed, stipels present; inflorescence of few flowers, axillary, peduncles usually longer than leaves; fruit is a beanlike pod, sessile on peduncle. Flowers June-October.

Plant community type: Open areas and along wooded edges. Frequently found in fencerows, windrows, etc.

Comments: Tolerates late winter-early spring burns. Discouraged by late spring discing.

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