• Annuals
• Perennials
• Naturalized

These are particularly useful for stabilizing disturbed soils since seedlings are vigorous and aggressive. They should become a favorite of those looking for game bird (quail, dove, turkey) feed since seed production is abundant and seeds are large.

Strophostyles leiosperma (smooth-seeded wild bean) is abundant in this region and often found in drier areas where sod-forming grasses are not present. Flowers are pink, seeds small (and shiny) while growth habit is viney. We currently work with both narrow-leafed and wide leaf (more productive) ecotypes.

Strophostyles helvula (trailing wild bean or Amberique-bean) tends to show up where soils tend to be more fertile and accumulate more runoff. As a result, it is more exuberant and produces longer viney growth. Flowers are pale yellow and pods are very long, almost like a cowpea.

We have some data from Vernon, San Angelo & Stephenville, Texas, about the productivity of these wild beans. Basically, they can be productive but this varies considerably from year-to-year based on rainfall and soils. The data is published in:

• Muir, J.P., R.L. Reed and D.P. Malinowski. Forage and seed of Strophostyles species as affected by location and harvest height. Native Plant Journal.

• Annuals
• Perennials
• Naturalized