Thicket Bean: A Native Climber Worth Getting to Know
Looking for a native vine that doesn’t require babying? Meet the thicket bean (Phaseolus polystachios var. polystachios), a perennial climbing legume that’s been quietly doing its thing across much of North America long before we started fussing with fancy garden plants. This unassuming native might just be the perfect addition to your naturalized landscape – if you can find it!
What Exactly Is Thicket Bean?
Thicket bean is a native perennial forb that belongs to the bean family. Unlike the beans you might grow in your vegetable garden, this wild relative prefers to scramble and climb through shrubs and other plants, creating a living tapestry in woodland edges and thickets. As a true perennial, it returns year after year from its underground root system, making it a reliable (though sometimes enthusiastic) garden companion.
Where Does It Call Home?
This adaptable native has quite the range! Thicket bean naturally occurs across 29 states, stretching from Maine down to Florida and west to Texas, with additional populations in Puerto Rico. You’ll find it growing wild in states including:
- Northeastern states: Maine, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania
- Southeastern states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
- Midwestern states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio
- South-central states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
A Word of Caution: Rarity Considerations
Before you rush out to plant thicket bean, here’s something important to know: in New Jersey, this species is listed as S2 (imperiled) and is considered rare in the Highlands region. If you live in New Jersey or other areas where it might be uncommon, make sure you source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries rather than collecting from the wild. This helps protect existing wild populations while still allowing you to enjoy this native beauty in your garden.
Why Grow Thicket Bean?
Thicket bean offers several compelling reasons to include it in your native plant palette:
- True native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems with plants that belong there
- Low maintenance: Once established, it largely takes care of itself
- Pollinator magnet: Like other members of the bean family, it produces flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects
- Naturalized appeal: Perfect for creating that wild look in woodland gardens or naturalized landscapes
- Climbing habit: Provides vertical interest and can help fill in gaps in shrub plantings
Where to Plant It
Thicket bean works best in naturalized settings rather than formal gardens. Consider it for:
- Woodland gardens where it can climb through shrubs
- Native plant gardens focused on regional flora
- Restoration projects in appropriate habitats
- Areas where you want a wild groundcover or climbing element
Given its wide natural range, thicket bean is likely hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for most temperate gardens across its native range.
Growing Tips and Care
The good news about thicket bean is that it’s generally low-fuss – after all, it’s been thriving without human help for millennia! Here’s what you need to know:
- Light requirements: Adaptable to partial shade through full sun conditions
- Soil preferences: Tolerates a range of soil conditions from moist to moderately dry
- Spacing: Give it room to roam – this isn’t a plant for tight, controlled spaces
- Support: Provide shrubs, trellises, or other structures for it to climb
- Maintenance: Minimal once established, though you may need to manage its spread in smaller gardens
Is Thicket Bean Right for Your Garden?
Thicket bean is ideal if you love native plants, want to support local pollinators, and prefer a naturalized garden aesthetic. It’s not the best choice if you prefer highly manicured landscapes or have very limited space, as it can be an enthusiastic spreader.
Remember, if you’re in an area where thicket bean is rare, source your plants responsibly and consider it a special addition to your native plant collection. This unassuming climber might not win any flashy flower contests, but it offers something even better: a genuine piece of your local natural heritage that will keep giving back to the ecosystem year after year.
