Thomas Jefferson Bean

As I was walking on the side of the Woolen Willow Quilt Shop, I noticed this great plant blooming on the arbor in front of Frank and Shirley's van. I recognized it immediately. This wonderful vine was a favorite of none other than Thomas Jefferson's in his garden at Monticello. This vine is appropriately named the hyacinth bean vine for the large purple seed pods formed in the late summer. This is an annual vine that is very fast growing so it is used to cover a trellis or arbor in a hurry.


When looking at old plant references you may see it listed as Indian bean, Egyptian bean, pharaoh bean or even Jefferson's vine. It came to the United States from Africa where it grew in the tropical regions and arrived around 1800. The scientific name is Dolichos lablab but you may see it listed as Lablab purpureus, and it is a member of the Fabaceae or bean family.

The owner of the Woolen Willow shared some bean pods with us. Next year we will hopefully have this plant as part of our garden. Below is a photo of the beans that are hidden within the purple pods.