Phaseolus coccineus: Edibility
Edible green pods that turn purple
Plant Profile: Phaseolus coccineus
Taxonomy: Phaseolus coccineusNames
Multiflora Bean, Runner Bean, Scarlet Runner Bean
Phonetic Spelling:FAZ-ee-oh-lus kok-SIN-ee-us
Genus:Phaseolus
Species:coccineus
Family:Fabaceae
Sow seeds directly in the garden once the risk of frost has ended, as pollen becomes ineffective at temperatures exceeding 90°F. These plants thrive in conditions with moderate moisture and well-drained soil.
The flowers are not only edible but also have a subtle flavor and a crisp texture. However, they have a short lifespan, lasting just one or two days. They can be enjoyed raw, or prepared by boiling, steaming, or sautéing.
Phaseolus coccineus Feature Summary
Phaseolus coccineus Image Gallery
Tags
Phaseolus coccineus is often confused with:
Phaseolus coccineus Feature Summary
Attributes
Edible green pods that turn purple
Twining
Flowers
Red flowers mid summer to frost; edible green pods that turn purple; seeds are black, mottled red
Orange
Summer
Poisonous to Humans
In large amounts, the raw or undercooked beans can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually resolves within a few hours.
Trace amounts of phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin
Seeds
Whole Plant Traits
Cultural Conditions
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Fruit
Edible
Leaves
Stem
Landscape
Edible Garden
Hummingbirds
Phaseolus coccineus Image Gallery
Phaseolus coccineus Attributes
Phaseolus coccineus: Climbing Method
Clinging
Scrambler
Tendrils
Twining
Phaseolus coccineus Flowers
Phaseolus coccineus: Flower Description
Red flowers mid summer to frost; edible green pods that turn purple; seeds are black, mottled red
Phaseolus coccineus: Flower Color
Orange
Phaseolus coccineus: Flower Value To Gardener
Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy
Phaseolus coccineus: Flower Bloom Time
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Phaseolus coccineus Poisonous to Humans
Phaseolus coccineus: Poison Symptoms
In large amounts, the raw or undercooked beans can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Usually resolves within a few hours.
Phaseolus coccineus: Poison Toxic Principle
Trace amounts of phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin
Phaseolus coccineus: Poison Severity
High
Low
Medium
Phaseolus coccineus: Causes Contact Dermatitis
No
Yes
Phaseolus coccineus: Poison Part
Bark
Flowers
Fruits
Leaves
Roots
Sap/Juice
Seeds
Stems
Phaseolus coccineus Whole Plant Traits
Phaseolus coccineus: Plant Type
Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower
Phaseolus coccineus: Growth Rate
Slow
Medium
Rapid
Phaseolus coccineus: Texture
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Phaseolus coccineus Cultural Conditions
Phaseolus coccineus: Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Phaseolus coccineus Fruit
Phaseolus coccineus: Fruit Value To Gardener
Edible
Fragrant
Good Cut
Good Dried
Long Bloom Season
Long-lasting
Showy
Phaseolus coccineus Leaves
Phaseolus coccineus: Hairs Present
No
Yes
Phaseolus coccineus Stem
Phaseolus coccineus: Stem Is Aromatic
No
Yes
Phaseolus coccineus Landscape
Phaseolus coccineus: Landscape Theme
Asian Garden
Butterfly Garden
Children's Garden
Cottage Garden
Cutting Garden
Drought Tolerant Garden
Edible Garden
English Garden
Fairy Garden
Garden for the Blind
Native Garden
Nighttime Garden
Pollinator Garden
Rain Garden
Rock Garden
Shade Garden
Water Garden
Winter Garden
Phaseolus coccineus: Attracts
Bats
Bees
Butterflies
Frogs
Hummingbirds
Moths
Pollinators
Predatory Insects
Reptiles
Small Mammals
Songbirds
Specialized Bees
