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Description
Strophostyles Helvula is a perennial vine from the legume family. This plant is also known as trailing wild bean, creeping wild bean, and Texas trailing bean. It is native to the southeastern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. The plant produces small, pea-like flowers in the summer and fall, followed by flat pods that contain seeds. The foliage is green and trifoliate, with each leaflet being 1-2 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Strophostyles |
Appearance
Strophostyles Helvula is a trailing vine that can grow up to 6 feet long. The stem is slender and woody, with fine hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The flowers are small and pink or purple, with a length of about 0.5 inches. The pods are flat and 1-2 inches long, with a greenish-yellow color.
Care Guide
Strophostyles Helvula is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Strophostyles Helvula prefers well-drained, sandy soil.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Strophostyles Helvula can grow in hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Strophostyles Helvula is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by some common problems:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and fine webbing on the plant. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage to prevent it.
Habitat
Strophostyles Helvula prefers dry, sandy soils and can often be found growing in open woods, fields, and along roadsides. It is commonly found in the southeastern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Strophostyles Helvula a perennial or an annual?
A: Strophostyles Helvula is a perennial vine.
Q: Can Strophostyles Helvula grow in shade?
A: Strophostyles Helvula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: How often should I water Strophostyles Helvula?
A: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Strophostyles Helvula?
A: Strophostyles Helvula can grow in hardiness zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Strophostyles Leiosperma
- Strophostyles Umbellata
- Strophostyles Angulosa
- Strophostyles Helvula
References
- USDA Plants Database: Strophostyles Helvula
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Trailing Wild Bean
- Florida Native Plant Society: Strophostyles Helvula
