Canavalia Species, Horse Bean, Jack Bean, Overlook Bean, Sword Bean

Canavaliaensiformis

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Canavalia (kan-uh-VAY-lee-uh)
Species
ensiformis (en-see-FORM-iss)
Synonym
Canavalia gladiata var. leucosperma
Dolichos ensiformis
Dolichos pugioniformis
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Light Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Bloom Color
Magenta (pink-purple)
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Vegetables
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Pensacola, Florida

Zephyrhills, Florida

Lawrenceville, Georgia

Walnut Shade, Missouri

Efland, North Carolina

Hillsborough, North Carolina

Florence, South Carolina

Cleveland, Tennessee

Houston, Texas

Keller, Texas

Longview, Texas

Sherman, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
2
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
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F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | March 2007 | neutral

Jack Bean Canavalia ensiformis is Naturalized in Texas and other States.

G
Keller, TX | November 2006 | neutral

I bought it as a seedling from a plant-in-a-can company and it has grown like crazy. If the trellis was tall enough this baby would be 14...Read More

L
L
| November 2005 | positive

Allelopatic against Poaceae and some other Fabaceae. Useful to prevent some insects in crops, also some fungi. Unnecessary to innoculate ...Read More

H
Efland, NC (Zone 7a) | December 2003 | positive

Mercy! It took several months to find out what this "mystery lima" plant was. Thanks to some Internet friends it was discovered this is...Read More

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