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Phaseolus vulgaris
  • common bean
    •  
  • string bean
    •  
  • field bean
    •  
  • flageolet bean
    •  
  • French bean
    •  
  • garden bean
    •  
  • haricot bean
    •  
  • pop bean
    •  
  • snap bean

an annual member of the Phaseolus genus in the family Leguminosae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Nitrogen fixer
    Nitrogen fixer
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • neutral, alkaline
    Neutral to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 10
    Zone 10
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Phaseolus vulgaris has 0 edible uses listed
Phaseolus vulgaris has 0 material uses listed
Phaseolus vulgaris has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Large quantities of the raw mature seed are poisonous[1][2]. Children eating just a few seeds have shown mild forms of poisoning with nausea and diarrhoea, though complete recovery took place in 12 - 24 hours[3]. The toxins play a role in protecting the plant from insect predation[4].

Edible uses

Notes

Immature seedpods - raw or cooked[5][6]. The green pods are commonly used as a vegetable, they have a mild flavour and should only be cooked for a short time. When growing the plant for its seedpods, be sure to pick them whilst they are still small and tender. This will ensure the continued production of more pods by the plant. Flowering is reduced once the seeds begin to form inside the pods.

The immature seeds are boiled or steamed and used as a vegetable[7]. The mature seeds are dried and stored for future use. They must be thoroughly cooked before being eaten and are best soaked in water for about 12 hours prior to this. They can be boiled, baked, pureed, ground into a powder or fermented into 'tempeh' etc[7]. The powdered seed makes a protein-enriching additive to flour, it can also be used in soups etc[K]. The seed can also be sprouted and used in salads or cooked[7]. The roasted seeds have been used as a coffee substitute[8].

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[9][7]. The very young laves are sometimes eaten as a salad, the older leaves are cooked[3].

Unknown part

Coffee

Leaves

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Seedpod

Unknown use

Material uses

A brown dye is obtained from red kidney beans[10].

The plant contains phaseolin, which has fungicidal activity[11]. Water from the cooked beans is very effective in reviving woollen fabrics[8].

The plant residue remaining after harvesting the dried beans is a source of biomass[3].

Unknown part

Dye
Fungicide
Biomass

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The green pods are mildly diuretic and contain a substance that reduces the blood sugar level[11]. The dried mature pod is used according to another report[12]. It is used in the treatment of diabetes[12].

The seed is diuretic, hypoglycaemic and hypotensive[8]. Ground into a flour, it is used externally in the treatment of ulcers[8]. The seed is also used in the treatment of cancer of the blood[11]. When bruised and boiled with garlic they have cured intractable coughs[13]. The root is dangerously narcotic[13].

A homeopathic remedy is made from the entire fresh herb[12]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis, plus disorders of the urinary tract[12].

Unknown part

Cancer
Diuretic
Homeopathy
Hypoglycaemic
Hypotensive
Narcotic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. Germination should take place within 10 days. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring though it may not ripen its seed in a cool summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Phaseolus vulgaris. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a warm sunny position in a rich well-drained preferably light soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season[14][15][16]. Dislikes heavy, wet or acid soils[17][15]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 to 6.5[16].

The French bean is commonly cultivated in the temperate and subtropical zones and in montane valleys of the tropics for its edible mature seeds and immature seedpods. It is often grown to provide a major part of the protein requirement[7][3]. A very variable plant, there are more than 1,000 named varieties ranging from dwarf forms about 30cm tall to climbing forms up to 3 metres tall[7][18][16][3]. Plants are not frost-tolerant, air temperatures below 10°c can cause damage to seedlings[16]. When grown for their edible pods, the immature pods should be harvested regularly in order to promote extra flower production and therefore higher yields[16]. Yields of green pods averages about 3kg per square metre, though double this can be achieved[16]. French beans grow well with strawberries, carrots, cauliflowers, cucumbers, cabbage, beet, leek and celeriac[19][20]. They are inhibited by alliums and fennel growing nearby[19][20].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[16]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Phaseolus vulgaris. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Phaseolus vulgaris
Genus
Phaseolus
Family
Leguminosae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Nitrogen fixer
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
10
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    annual
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    2 x
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:A green bean.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.




    References

    1. ? Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus ISBN 0-7011-2526-8 (32202/01/01)
    2. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (32202/01/01)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Duke. J. Handbook of Energy Crops - (32202/01/01)
    4. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (32202/01/01)
    5. ? Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (32202/01/01)
    6. ? Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (32202/01/01)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (32202/01/01)
    9. ? Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (32202/01/01)
    10. ? Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (32202/01/01)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (32202/01/01)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.3 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (32202/01/01)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)
    14. ? Vilmorin. A. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press ISBN 0-89815-041-8 ()
    15. ? 15.015.1 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (32202/01/01)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.516.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
    17. ? Simons. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-050-0 (32202/01/01)
    18. ? Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold (32202/01/01)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (32202/01/01)
    20. ? 20.020.1 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (32202/01/01)



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    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Phaseolus_vulgaris&oldid=82108"
    Facts about "Phaseolus vulgaris"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyLeguminosae +
    Belongs to genusPhaseolus +
    Functions asNitrogen fixer +
    Has common nameFrench Bean +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +, Leaves +, Seeds + and Seedpod +
    Has edible useCoffee substitute + and Unknown use +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile + and Bee +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone10 +
    Has imageA green bean.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typeAnnual +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDye +, Fungicide + and Biomass +
    Has mature height2 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useCancer +, Diuretic +, Homeopathy +, Hypoglycaemic +, Hypotensive + and Narcotic +
    Has primary imageA green bean.jpg +
    Has search namephaseolus vulgaris + and x +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceNeutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy namePhaseolus vulgaris +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +