Hyacinth Bean
Dolichos lablab
This tender annual vine produces attractive purplish-green leaves, showy rose-purple flowers and pods, and unusual black and white seeds.
This ornamental vine is native to the tropical regions of Africa and is cultivated extensively in Asia and North Africa for its edible burgundy colored fruit pods, which, like the flowers, are highly ornamental. The hyacinth bean, also known as Egyptian and Indian bean, was introduced to European gardens by the early 1700s and was sold by American nurserymen by the early 19th century. In 1812, Thomas Jefferson noted "Arbor beans white, scarlet, crimson, purple. at the trees of the level on both sides of the terrasses, and on long walk of [kitchen] garden."1 Although Jefferson does not specifically cite this species, hyacinth bean was sold by his favorite nurseryman, Bernard McMahon, in 1804, and it is possible that Jefferson's "purple" bean was the Dolichos lablab.
Further Sources
- Cornett, Peggy. "Jefferson's Vines of Summer: Beauties and Beasts." Twinleaf (January 1994).
- Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
