Mucuna Species, Buffalo Bean, Cow Itch, Hell Fire Bean, Velvet Bean
Mucuna pruriens
| Family: | Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Mucuna (myoo-KOO-nuh) (Info) |
| Species: | pruriens (PRUR-ee-ens) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Dolichos pruriens |
| Synonym: | Mucuna prurita |
| Synonym: | Mucuna esquirolii |
| Synonym: | Stizolobium pruritum |
Category:
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Foliage Color:
Height:
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing:
Hardiness:
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:
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color:
Dark Purple/Black
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Barbourville, Kentucky
Kenner, Louisiana
Lucedale, Mississippi
Polkton, North Carolina
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Plano, Texas
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On May 4, 2017, greenman62 from Kenner, LA (Zone 9a) wrote: good medicinal. -look up "Bay Bean" |
| Positive | On Sep 18, 2004, seedpicker_TX from (Taylor) Plano, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: Beautiful, and unusual blooms, as well as beneficial legume(nitrogen fixer) and liana(climbing woody vine). Gorgeous deep purple blooms. Tolerates heat well. It has many pollinators, including bats. |
