Common bean - Phaseolus vulgaris (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Common bean

Also known as: Green bean, Pole bean

Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".

Scientific classification

Species

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green, Purple, Gold, White, Yellow, Lavender

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Purple, Pink

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Common bean

Distribution of Common bean

Distribution Map

Common bean is native to the Americas, specifically the northern tip of South America, and was domesticated as far back as 2300 BC. A vital food crop, it has been introduced across global temperate and tropical regions. In the wild, it grows in a variety of habitats but may have originated in the mountainous slopes of the Andes Mountains.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Meadows, fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Common bean is a widespread vegetable plant grown for its edible beans. It is grown commercially, but its main use for the domestic gardener is as part of a vegetable garden. The plant grows well when using poles or trellises to support its growth. There are many cultivars and varieties of common bean that maximize the yield of a vegetable garden when combined with corn, celery, or radishes.

Symbolism

Protection, purification, rebirth

Interesting Facts

The leaves of the common bean contain microscope hairs which have been used to trap tiny bedbugs that have infested houses. In addition, in ancient times common bean were used for divination. People would throw the common beans on the ground and interpret their patterns as symbolic or as a premonition. This type of divination was called favomancy.

Name Story

Common bean: Bean is originated from bene in Middle English and then evolved from bēan, meaning "beans, peas, legume", which is grown all over the world because of its edible dry seeds or immature fruits commonly called beans. It is one of the most common legumes, so it is called common bean.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common bean, including the following common varieties :

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake’Phaseolus vulgaris 'Golden Gate‘

Toxicity

Common bean is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats if consumed improperly. Humans experience stomachache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cats and dogs are poisoned by the fruits, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pets showing signs of distress. Common bean contains significant amounts of lectins causing these toxic effects. Keep common bean away from pets and ensure proper preparation for human consumption.

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Quickly Identify Common bean

Trifoliate leaves with ovate leaflets

Distinctive boat-shaped seed pods

Pea-shaped flowers in racemes

Pods changing color from green to brown/black

Prolific seed production in elongated pods

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Care Guide for Common bean

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating in variable moisture regions, common bean efficiently uses water with moderate drought tolerance. It thrives with consistent moisture, requiring watering twice a week. Commonly grown outdoors, its flowering requires adequate hydration during the growing season for optimal blooms and bean formation.

Fertilize: Fertilizing common bean is vital for strong growth and bean yield. Start with high phosphorus fertilizer for roots, then shift to balanced N-P-K as it matures. Apply half a cup per square yard every 4-6 weeks, adjusting in colder months, and avoid over-fertilization for optimal results.

Pruning: Common bean is a fast-growing leguminous plant grown for edible pods and seeds. Prune in early to late spring to enhance growth, improve air circulation, prevent pests, and stimulate new growth by cutting above leaf nodes. Refer to horticultural guides for specific methods.

Propagation: Common bean propagation is best done by sowing in Spring. This straightforward process requires proper soil preparation and moisture control, with successful germination signifying healthy seedling growth.

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Images of Common bean

Distribution of Common bean

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common bean

Care Guide for Common bean

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