Friday, September 18, 2009

Hyacinth Beans

I've become enamored with this lovely fall plant. It's called hyacinth bean. We don't grow it as an edible, tho it could be. Just check carefully because it's one of those "careful how you eat this" foods. (See the link above.) The foliage is very prolific and grows quickly to fill a trellis. The purple flowers give way to the bright purple bean pod with very leathery and shiny skin. The pods make great "flower" arrangements, either as a supplement to a larger arrangement or on their own. The bean pods last a long time, too.

4 comments:

Mary said...

I don't think I've ever heard of this plant...quite beautiful! Thanks for sharing the picture and the information about it...I don't usually eat any kind of flowers, even though I know some are edible...I just don't like the taste. I love roses and lavender, but as food? Nah!

Blessings,
Mary

Anonymous said...

Very pretty! love that purple color.

Marilyn Miller said...

How pretty! I don't think I have ever seen Hyacinth Beans before.

parTea lady said...

What a gorgeous color those beans are. I don't think I've ever seen this plant before.