This variable annual has slender twining stems and forms a dense climbing habit or an erect bush. It has dark green pointed leaflets and the white to purple pea-shaped flowers appear in a small cluster during spring and followed by flat or cylindrical edible pods.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Phaseolus vulgarisis naturally found in South America from central Mexico to Guatemala growing in forests on the coast and in the mountains from sea level to an altitude of 2,600m (8,530 ft). It has been cultivated for hundreds of years and its true origin is obscure.

It prefers a protected sunny position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It is drought and frost tender and dislikes shaded positions wet and very acid soil.

Common bean is grown for its edible pods and seeds. It is planted in small or vegetable gardens against a fence or in rows. It is also grown in pots, tubs or planter boxes and there is a large variety of cultivars available with varying habits. It is suitable coastal and mountainous regions and establishes in one month but is short lived. This variable annual produces a range of beans that include runner beans, string beans, salad beans, French beans and kidney beans all of which are commonly cultivated and can be eaten raw or cooked.

The beans are commonly picked while still small and tender before the seeds developed and the mature seeds are dried and stored for future use. Common beans are the most wildly cultivated of the beans from temperate to semi-tropical regions and had grown commercially throughout the world. ID 3345

Phaseolus (FAZ-ee-oh-lus) vulgaris (vul-GAIR-iss)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)