Plants in family fabaceae
Baptisia alba var. alba
Baptisia alba var. alba, a southern form of white baptisia, is known for its large blackened, drooping seed pods and blue-green foliage. It forms a 3-foot tall and wide mound, topped with 1-2 foot tall spikes of pure white flowers in late spring. This plant is deer-resistant and forms a full-figured, upright clump up to 4 feet tall. It thrives in full sun and is a vigorous grower, making it a striking addition to gardens.
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is a plant whose seeds are rich in essential vitamins such as A, B6, and C, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. It contains various health-promoting phytochemicals and its young, tender leaves can be used as greens in cooking. This plant is valued for its nutritional benefits and versatility in culinary applications.
Thermopsis villosa
Thermopsis villosa, native to the southern Appalachian mountains, is a herbaceous plant in the legume family. It develops 4-foot tall un-branched spikes with clusters of butter yellow flowers and is drought tolerant.
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender'
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender' is a stringless bean variety that produces in 50 days from sowing. It tolerates heat and powdery mildew, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. This disease-resistant bean is known for its quick production and resilience in various growing conditions.
Lathyrus odoratus
Lathyrus odoratus, commonly known as sweet pea, is celebrated for its large, ruffled flowers and heat resistance, allowing for an extended blooming period. This plant attracts pollinators and features a variety of colors, including purple, red, and white. While it is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. It grows well on trellises and fences, making it ideal for garden decoration.
Baptisia nuttalliana
Baptisia nuttalliana is a flowering plant native to east Texas, forming 18-inch tall and wide clumps. It produces yellow pea-like flowers in early to mid-May and is a member of the legume family. This plant is suitable for sun to part sun conditions and adds a touch of color to gardens.
Phaseolus coccineus
Phaseolus coccineus, commonly known as the Scarlet Runner Bean, is a perennial vine notable for its vibrant red flowers and multicolored seeds. Originating from Central America, it has been cultivated since ancient times in regions like Mexico and Guatemala. The vine can grow over 10 feet tall, with pods reaching up to 10 inches long. While the young pods are edible and flavorful, mature pods can be shelled for beans. This plant is a member of the legume family and is known for attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. It is also popular in British cuisine and has several cultivars, including 'Scarlet Runner' and 'Painted Lady'. However, it contains a toxic protein, phytohaemagglutinin, which requires proper preparation before consumption. The plant's starchy roots are traditionally consumed in Mesoamerica.
Phaseolus vulgaris
Phaseolus vulgaris, an Italian heirloom bean, is known for its thin, crisp, and flavorful purple pods that turn green when cooked. The plant can grow 6 to 8 feet tall and features lavender flowers. It is disease-resistant and performs well in cool weather, making it suitable for container gardening. This versatile bean is excellent for fresh consumption, freezing, or canning, and continues to produce until frost. Its climbing habit and high yield make it a valuable addition to any vegetable garden.
Thermopsis montana
Thermopsis montana, also known as false lupin or mountain goldenbanner, is a perennial herb native to the western United States. It features golden-yellow flowers that bloom from May to August and leaves that grow in triplicate formations. This plant is used as a medicinal and ornamental plant and is suspected of being poisonous to livestock.
Amorpha fruticosa
Amorpha fruticosa, also known as native leadwort, is a drought-tolerant shrub found on riverbanks. It grows up to 8 feet tall and features pinnate green leaves and purple flowers with bright orange pollen in late May. This plant is ideal for attracting butterflies and thrives in sunny gardens.
Trifolium incarnatum 'Crimson'
Trifolium incarnatum 'Crimson' is known for its larger, elongated flower heads with deep red blossoms. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant that grows best in cool weather and a variety of soils, preferring well-drained conditions. This clover tolerates some shade and is valued for its vibrant color.
Castanospermum 'Lucky Bean'
Castanospermum 'Lucky Bean' is a medium-sized tree native to Australia, featuring glossy green leaves and yellow and red flowers in spring. It is a tropical indoor plant that adds a vibrant touch to any space.
Vicia faba
Vicia faba, commonly known as the fava bean, is a versatile plant used both as a cover crop and for human consumption. It is known for its high nitrogen-fixing ability and large, deep roots that improve soil structure. The plant is exceptionally cold-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures as low as 10°F, and grows best in cool conditions. Fava beans produce beautiful white and black flowers that attract pollinators, and the young pods can be eaten like snap beans. However, individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid handling the seeds or consuming the beans due to potential health risks.
Baptisia australis
Baptisia australis, native to North America, is a perennial herb known for its blue lupine-like flowers and trifoliate leaves. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to part shade, attracting bees and being drought-tolerant. Historically, it was used by Native Americans for dye and medicinal purposes.
Lupinus texensis
Lupinus texensis, the state flower of Texas, is an annual plant that thrives in naturalized wildflower areas. Known for its tall plumes of blue flowers, it attracts bees and butterflies, adding life to gardens. This plant self-sows readily and grows best in moist conditions, with seedlings emerging in the fall. Its seeds have a hard coat and can be scarified to improve germination.
Vigna radiata
Vigna radiata, commonly known as mung bean, has been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years. It is high in protein, iron, and vitamins, and is a staple in many Asian dishes.
Medicago sativa
Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa, is a nutrient-rich plant high in protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins. It is often used to add flavor and texture to salads and sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to culinary dishes.
Amorpha nana
Amorpha nana is a perennial shrub native to North America, known for its vibrant green, fern-like leaves and clusters of purple, honey-scented flowers. This dwarf shrub thrives in dry prairies and rocky hillsides, preferring rocky and sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant and well-suited for rock gardens. The plant produces small pods as fruits and is a member of the Pea family. Its unique reddish-orange pollen adds to its visual appeal. Amorpha nana was first described by Thomas Nuttall in 1813 and is a native of the Midwest and Great Plains regions of the United States.
Thermopsis lanceolata
Thermopsis lanceolata, native to Russia, is an early-season flowering perennial with bright yellow, baptisia-like flowers. It grows in 3-foot tall clumps with peanut-like leaves and thrives in sunny locations.
Pediomelum canescens
Pediomelum canescens is a native plant of the Southeastern US, forming a 2.5-foot tall by 2.5-foot wide clump with heavily-branched stalks. It produces small flowers that are blue in bud and open to creamy white, thriving in prairies and open woodlands.
Mimosa pudica
Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, is a fascinating perennial native to the Caribbean and South America. It is renowned for its rapid leaf-folding response to touch, a defense mechanism that exposes its spines. This plant features forest green, compound leaflets and globe-shaped lilac-pink blooms. It thrives in tropical climates as a perennial but is often grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere. Mimosa pudica prefers nutrient-poor soils and is not shade-tolerant. It is also known for its ability to extract heavy metals from polluted soils, making it useful for phytoremediation. Despite its beauty, it can become invasive in some regions.
Cercis canadensis
Cercis canadensis, commonly known as the Eastern Redbud, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It grows 20-30 feet tall with a spread of 26-33 feet, featuring a short, often twisted trunk and dark, smooth bark that becomes scaly with age. The tree is known for its heart-shaped leaves and showy magenta pink flowers that bloom in clusters, attracting long-tongued bees. It produces flattened, dry, brown pea-like pods and is cultivated in parks and gardens for its ornamental value.
Amorpha canescens
Amorpha canescens, also known as leadplant, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, growing up to 3 feet tall and wide. It features small, mimosa-like leaves and purple flowers with orange tips that bloom from late May to mid-September. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in dry, rocky soils and is known for its deep roots and nitrogen-fixing abilities. Its unique flowers and adaptability make it a valuable addition to prairies and open woodlands.
Vigna angularis
Important in Eastern Asian cuisine, this versatile and nutrient-rich plant is used in desserts in China and Japan. It is easier to digest than cooked legumes, containing more enzymes and less starch, and requires extra rinsing to keep moist.
Indigofera heterantha
Indigofera heterantha is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant purple, pea-like flowers that bloom in summer. This hardy plant, native to the northwest Himalayas, can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F. It features pinnate leaves with up to 21 grey-green leaflets and can grow up to 7 feet long. The shrub is drought-tolerant and can become herbaceous in colder climates. It has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The plant's seeds have traditional uses in treating gastrointestinal issues. Its open branches and mimosa-like leaves add a unique texture to gardens.
Sophora flavescens
Sophora flavescens is a herbaceous plant from the pea family, featuring arching stalks and dark green pinnate foliage. It produces creamy flowers on long spikes in late spring and early summer. This plant is valued for its textural contribution to gardens and its traditional medicinal uses in China.
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'
This small deciduous tree has purple heart-shaped foliage and bright pink spring flowers. It grows to 20-30 feet high with a spreading, flat-to-rounded crown. The plant prefers well-drained soil and grows best in full sun to part shade, requiring a lot of watering in its first year.
Baptisia perfoliata
Baptisia perfoliata, native to the southeastern United States, is a perennial plant recognized for its blue-grey rounded foliage and striking yellow flowers that bloom in midsummer. The plant reaches about 3 feet in height and is known for its structural presence in gardens, providing interest even in winter with its sturdy form. Its unique leaf arrangement, where the stem appears to pierce through the leaves, adds to its visual appeal. This plant is also appreciated for its ability to attract butterflies and resist rabbits, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. It thrives in sunny locations and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider'
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Provider' is a high-yielding, early-producing bean variety known for its disease resistance and stringless, straight beans. This cultivar, developed in 1965, germinates well in cooler soils, making it a reliable choice for early planting. It is excellent for freezing and canning, providing a versatile addition to the home garden. Its robust growth and productivity make it a staple for gardeners seeking a dependable bean crop.
Lupinus ehrenbergii var. ehrenbergii
Lupinus ehrenbergii var. ehrenbergii is a compact plant with loose spikes of flowers in pink, blue, purple, and white. It tolerates poor, dry soil and is ideal for containers and rock gardens.