Canavalia Species, Sword Bean, Swordbean
Canavaliagladiata

Synonym:Canavalia ensiformis

Synonym:Canavalia gladiata var. spodosperma

Synonym:Canavalia loureirii

Synonym:Canavalia maxima

Synonym:Dolichos gladiatus

Category
Annuals
Vegetables
Groundcovers
Vines and Climbers

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)

Spacing

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Rose/Mauve
Lavender
Medium Purple

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Blooms repeatedly

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds