Canavalia rosea (Bay Bean)

Noted for its showy flowers and bright green foliage, Canavalia rosea (Bay Bean) is a creeping evergreen vine boasting small racemes of pink to purple flowers with white centers that guide insects to their nectar. The blossoms attract a variety of insects but are primarily pollinated by bees. Blooming year-round, with a peak in summer to fall, the flowers give way to robust, long, flattened pods, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), containing seeds that are adapted for dispersal on ocean currents. The thick and fleshy trailing stems are covered with bright green trifoliate leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), that are alternately arranged. Thick and leathery, they fold in on themselves in response to hot sunlight. One of the most widely distributed beach plants in the world, Bay Bean can be found in subtropical and tropical areas worldwide, including the West Indies, the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It occurs naturally in coastal habitats, especially dunes and beaches where it is an important sand stabilizer and colonizer. Fast-growing and mat-forming, Bay Bean resists erosion by wind and light surf and is excellent for beachfront homes and coastal landscapes. It makes a great ground cover along coastal dunes and in other dry areas where it is allowed to roam freely.

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 10-40 ft. wide (3-12 m). Will quickly spread to form a mat without being invasive.
• Thrives in full sun in moderately moist to dry, well-drained sandy soils. Drought tolerant, Bay Bean can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury. Tolerant of frequent or regular inundation too.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seeds. Soak in water for several hours to speed up germination.
• Native to subtropical and tropical areas worldwide, including the West Indies, the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
• Seeds and seed pods are poisonous if consumed.