Pink fuzzybean, Perennial wild bean
Strophostyles umbellata
Family: Leguminosae
What it is like
Strophostyles umbellata is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Sandy soils of fields, forest edges, meadows and woodlands and clearings, mainly near the coast.
Native to fields and woods in the southeastern and central United States.
Conservation Status: Not Listed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Nitrogen fixer. Invertebrates shelter: beneficial for insects and other arthropods.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
A perennial herbaceous climbing vine. Prefers light (sandy) to medium soils in semi-shade to full sun conditions. A dry to moist soil. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. Herbaceous. Growth habit is a single or multiple shooting vine from a crown.
Propagating it: From seed- direct sow outdoors in fall. Self-sows freely.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Pink fuzzybean, perennial wild bean, perennial woolly bean
Synonyms
Glycine umbellata Willd. Phaseolus umbellatus Britton. S. umbellata var. paludigena Fernald. S. umbellata var. umbellata