Hurley

Pole Lima. Hurley bean is a remarkable variety that I discovered and named in 2014, stemming from the esteemed Stevenson's lima lineage. Known for its high productivity, this bean produces an abundance of small pods, each containing approximately three flavorful beans. Personally, I very much like white beans like Hurley because they readily absorb any added flavors without overshadowing them, making them incredibly versatile in various dishes.

Ice

Semi-Runner/Snap. The Ice bean is an old heirloom variety that has been around for a considerable amount of time. It offers a quick turnaround, producing snap beans in just 55 days and dry beans in 95 days. Despite being classified as a wax bean—though its exact classification remains a mystery—its pods are strikingly light green, almost appearing white. These small, highly productive plants exhibit a gentle vining habit, making them a charming addition to any garden.

Idaho Marrow

Semi Runner Dry. The Idaho Marrow bean is a historic variety, once popular in the 1850s as a baking bean, and has undergone numerous name changes throughout its history. This semi-runner type produces beautifully sized oval beans that are not only delightful in baked dishes but also excel in soups, offering a creamy texture. Their versatility and rich heritage make them a valuable addition to any bean collection.

Idaho Refugee

Bush/Snap. 5 to 6 inch green stringless pods. Blossom Pink. Plants very productive, viney with lots of branches, tall, spreading and grows short tendrils at the top of it's growth but does not climb Idaho Refugee was bred by Walter Pierce and J.C. Walker. A mosaic resistant bush type released through the University of Idaho. An All American Selections winner in 1934. One of the first BCMV resistant varieties created as the result of deliberate breeding. A joint breeding program between the University of Idaho and Wisconsin. Parentage is Corbett Refugee and Stringless Green Refugee.

Illinois Giant

Illinois Giant is a highly productive pole lima bean known for its impressive growth, with vines reaching up to 12 feet in height. This variety, which produces its first dry pods in approximately 85 to 90 days, is a result of a cross between the Dr. Martin and Christmas limas in 1991. First introduced to the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook in 1992 by Glenn Cooper from Massachusetts, it has its roots in Polo, Illinois, where it was originally cultivated by the late Merlyn Niedens. Its majestic stature and impressive yield make it a standout choice for gardeners.

Illinois Snap

Illinois Snap is a vigorous bush snap bean characterized by its upright growth without runners, making it easy to manage. With a quick harvest time of about 50 days, it produces excellent green oval snap pods that are typically five to six inches long. Notable for their stringless quality and tender texture, these pods offer a rich flavor that surpasses many other snap varieties. Discovered in 1979 and named by me due to an outcross identified in that year, Illinois Snap stands out for both its culinary qualities and ease of cultivation.

Illinois Wax

Illinois Wax is a bush wax snap bean known for its striking yellow pods and upright growth habit, eliminating the need for runners. Developed in the late 1970's and named by me as a companion to Illinois Snap, this variety has been cherished for its exceptional eating qualities. The tender and stringless pods offer a delightful flavor, making Illinois Wax a favorite choice for gardeners. Its continued popularity highlights its fine culinary attributes and ease of cultivation.

Illinois Wild Goose

Illinois Wild Goose is a pole dry bean variety that takes approximately 100 days to mature its seeds. Discovered in my bean gardens in 1979, this unique variety is named after the intriguing story of the Mostoller Wild Goose and the tradition of beans being found in the crops of hunted wild geese. Inspired by this narrative, I ventured into the "wild goose" naming theme, leading to the creation of this flavorful and storied bean variety. Its distinct heritage and touch of folklore make it a fascinating addition to any garden.

Indian

Bush Dry. This variety takes over 90 days to yield its first dry seeds. It features large, red kidney-type seeds and grows into robust plants, reaching approximately 24 inches in height. It was graciously sent to me by Harriet Mella from Liebenfels, Austria, in 2013.

Indian Mound

This pole dry bean variety was part of my garden in the early 1980s and had circulated among Seed Saver Exchange members from 1983 to 1989 before it vanished from the yearbook. It remained on my bean wish list until 2016, when a member from Oregon kindly sent it to me, sharing that he had preserved it since the mid-1980s, despite challenges in maintaining its productivity in his Oregon climate. The maturity time for this bean ranges from 90 to 120 days, which may refer to its shelly stage or the longer timeline for dry beans.

Iroquois Cornbread

This pole dry bean variety matures in approximately 105 days to its first dry pods and produces productive plants with straight pods. It is traditionally used in cornbreads and is known by other names among the Iroquois nations, including Tuscarora Bread and Skaroora Bread. This bean was generously sent to me by Stephen Smith, a dedicated corn collector and caretaker of traditional plant varieties from Guthrie, Kentucky.

Jacob's Cattle Amish

This bush dry bean variety appears distinct from the traditional Jacob's Cattle, despite its similar appearance. Introduced to me by a gardener in the Netherlands, I have cultivated this bean since 2014 and have noted its longer, more slender pods and greater productivity. Unlike the standard Jacob's Cattle, which struggles in my warm Illinois summers where it's seed turns mostly red, this variety maintains its color pattern well. My satisfaction with growing Jacob's Cattle Amish has led me to discontinue cultivating the original Jacob's Cattle altogether.

Jembo Polish

Pole/Snap. Blossom fuchsia. A rare large Seeded Snap bean that should be better known by gardeners. Impressive productive plants produce tasty green snap pods, or the soft immature seed can be used as a shell bean. Can be direct seeded when daytime temperatues reach into the 60's in well drained loose soil. Discovered this variety at Bill Best's Sustainable Mountain Agricultural Center seed swap in 2015. A wonderful seed swap event. The first weekend in November in Berea, Kentucky.

Jiminez

Jiminez is a pole snap bean characterized by its white blossoms and impressive growth, with vines reaching up to 10 feet, although they can also thrive on shorter single poles. This variety produces handsome green flattened pods that grow nearly 10 inches to 1 foot long, turning a striking solid red as the seeds mature. Known for its long bearing season, it is also praised for its delicious shell beans, which are easy to hand shell due to their thin pod walls, making this bean a versatile and attractive option for gardeners.

John's Bean

Bush Dry. John's Bean is an heirloom variety from the Canadian Maritimes, celebrated for being one of the earliest maturing dry beans with a good short season of 85 days. This beautiful and productive bean features seeds that are beige with striking purple stripes, and some even have reverse markings. While it is more commonly grown in Canada, it performs exceptionally well in the U.S. as well. Similar to Early Mohawk, John's Bean is slightly less plump and showcases a distinct coloring, making it a fantastic choice for delicious baked bean recipes.

Junin

Junin is a striking bush dry bean known for its beautiful bright pink seeds, especially when freshly harvested. The robust and healthy plants reach a height of 24 inches and are highly productive, making them a valuable addition to any garden. Originally sourced from Astrid Storm of Jevenstedt, Germany, this variety has a fascinating lineage traced to the Andean gene pool, linked to wild common beans from the Junin region of Peru, offering not only aesthetic appeal but also a rich agricultural heritage.

Kartoffelbohne

Kartoffelbohne, or potato bean, is a highly productive pole dry bean variety acquired from an Austrian grower. This European cultivar is traditionally grown in Germany and nearby countries, notable for its unique growth habit where the vines become laden with pods that bulge as the beans mature inside. With an impressive yield and distinctive appearance, Kartoffelbohne beans are appreciated not only for their culinary versatility but also for their robust growth characteristics, making them a valuable addition to any garden or agricultural endeavor.

Kay Snap

Bush/Snap. 85 days to first dry pods, and about 50 days to green round podded snaps. Seed mother is Kishwaukee Green.

Keewatin

Bush/Dry. 85 days to dry beans. Another variety of the large bean legacy left behind by the late Robert Lobitz of Paynesville, Minnesota. Named after Keewatin, Minnesota located in Itasca county. Robert named most of his beans for towns and places in his state.

Kenearly

Kenearly is a bush dry bean variety that matures in about 85 days and is part of the yellow eye bean category developed at the Kentville Research Center in Nova Scotia. This variety is specifically bred to facilitate the nearly simultaneous ripening of its seed crop, making it a practical choice for efficient harvesting. My original seed source for Kenearly comes from the Ozark Seed Bank in Brixey, Missouri, ensuring its availability for growers interested in this unique, productive bean variety that thrives in diverse climates.

Kermit’s Smoky Mountain

Pole/Snap. Kermit's Smoky Mountain is a productive heirloom bean variety with a rich history tied to the Caughron family, who grew it in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for five generations. Named after Kermit Caughron, the last resident of what is now Smoky Mountain National Park, this bean exemplifies a deep-rooted family legacy and agricultural heritage.

Khabarovsk

Pole Dry. Khabarovsk is a unique Russian bean variety hailing from Khabarovsk in Siberia, known for its extra-large, somewhat rounded seeds that plump up beautifully during cooking. The flavor is reminiscent of creamy potatoes, making it a delightful addition to various dishes. This variety is highly productive, with eye-catching pods adorned with vibrant red streaks and patches that become even more pronounced as the seeds mature, adding visual interest to any garden while providing a flavorful harvest.

Kirschbohne

Pole Dry. Kirschbohne, translating to "Cherry Bean" in English, is a highly productive variety originally grown in Austria, known for thriving in cool climates. This bean features fat, meaty pods that make it an excellent choice for hearty dishes like chili, soups, and stews. With its rich flavor and versatility in cooking, Kirschbohne is a valuable addition for gardeners looking to cultivate robust and delicious beans.

Kifl Mucko

Pole Dry. Kifl Mucko is a distinctive bean variety gifted by Harriet Mella of Austria, characterized by its small cranberry cutshort seeds. This variety is notably productive, yielding an abundance of 2.5 to 3-inch (6 to 8 cm) pods that contain 6 to 7 tightly packed seeds at maturity. Remarkably, Kifl Mucko delivers a high volume of beans, often exceeding the yield of larger seeded varieties, while the seeds are well-formed, ensuring minimal rejects, making it an excellent choice for both gardeners and cooks alike.

Kishwaukee Green

Bush/snap. Green podded. Discovered, as a segregation of Kishwaukee Yellow and named by me in 1978. Plants are very productive. Probably one of the most productive green beans I have grown. Pods are somewhat curved 6 to 7 inches long and stringless. Produces two other seed coat colors besides the photo. Same maturity time as Kishwaukee Yellow. The beans are named after the Kishwaukee river (from the Potawatomi language means "river of the Sycamore") that flows through 3 northern Illinois counties. The headwaters of the river is in Woodstock, Illinois.

Kishwaukee Yellow

Bush/Wax Discovered, as a cross and named by me in 1977. Plants are very productive. Might be the most productive wax bean I have ever grown. Pods are somewhat curved 6 to 7 inches long and stringless. Produces two other seed coat colors besides the photo. Once sold by Simply Beans in Calhan, Colorado. Had also been sold by Horus Botanicals of Salem, Arkansas. There is a green podded companion called Kishwaukee Green that developed from seed grown out in 1978 of Kishwaukee Yellow. Named after the Kishwaukee river that flows through 3 northern Illinois counties. The headwaters of the river is in Woodstock, Illinois.

Kitoba

Pole/Dry. The Kitoba bean is a highly productive variety originating from Africa, noteworthy for its dual-purpose use as it can be enjoyed both fresh and dried. This plant features large leaves and produces an abundance of pods, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a substantial yield. Its versatility in the kitchen, alongside its robust growth habits, makes Kitoba a valuable addition to any garden.

Kleine Soldatenboon

Bush/Dry. The Kleine Soldatenboon, or Small Soldier Bean, is a visually appealing variety that can produce dry pods in approximately 90 days. Originating from the Netherlands, this bean is noted for its simple beauty and productivity. It excels in culinary applications, particularly in stews and baked dishes where a white-seeded bean is desired, making it a versatile choice for gardeners and cooks alike.

Kneply's Forty Bushel

Bush/Dry. Forty Bushel bean is an Ohio family heirloom developed by Clayton Kneply, known for its white blossoms and rapid maturation, taking about 80 days to produce dry seeds. The seeds exhibit a yellow eye characteristic and an attractive shape, making them visually appealing. The upright plants are notable for their resilience, demonstrating both disease and drought tolerance, which contributes to a reliable yield for gardeners.

Koronis Giant Pinto

Bush dry. The Koronis Giant Pinto is a robust bean variety introduced by Robert Lobitz, known for its impressive production timeline, with the first dry pods appearing in approximately 85 days. This variety features pods that dry sequentially over a span of about three weeks, ensuring a staggered harvest. Its unique traits and reliable yield make it a valuable addition to any garden, especially for those seeking high-quality pinto beans.

Koronis Golden Navy

The Koronis Golden Navy is a semi-runner variety introduced by Robert Lobitz, notable for its productive plants. It typically produces its first dry pods in about 83 days, with pods that dry sequentially over time. Each pod measures approximately 4 inches and contains 3 to 4 small, light golden yellowish seeds, making it a visually appealing and efficient option for gardeners seeking a reliable yield of unique navy beans.

Koronis Little Red Trout

The Koronis Little Red Pinto is a bush dry bean variety introduced by Robert Lobitz, known for its reliability and productivity. With the first dry pods appearing in about 85 days, this variety features sequential pod drying and yields nearly half a pound of beans from just ten feet of row. The small oval seeds resemble the classic Jacob’s Cattle bean, offering an appealing look, making it a delightful addition to any garden. Released in the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook in the early 2000s.

Koronis Purple

Koronis Purple is a bush large-seeded dry bean variety developed by the late Robert Lobitz from Paynesville, Minnesota. This vibrant bean reaches maturity in about 85 days, showcasing attractive purple-pink blossoms. The tall plants yield impressive 6 and a quarter-inch pods, providing a substantial harvest, making it a noteworthy choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and productivity in their bean crops.

Koronis Red Eye

The Koronis Red Eye is a bush dry bean variety known for its high productivity, developed by the late Robert Lobitz of Paynesville, Minnesota. With a maturation period of 85 to 90 days for the first dry pods, this variety can yield over a pound of beans in just a 10-foot section of row, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking both a bountiful harvest and an easy-to-grow option in their gardens.

Koronis Tan Trout

Koronis Tan Trout is a bush dry bean variety that takes approximately 90 days to yield its first dry pods. The seeds resemble small tan and white Jacob’s Cattle beans, initially appearing white at harvest before gradually developing their distinctive color and pattern over the course of a month. This unique variety, named by Robert Lobitz, originates from a collection of crosses received from Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds in Canada, showcasing a blend of heritage and innovation in gardening.

Koronis Three Islands

The Koronis Three Islands is a bush dry bean variety that reaches maturity in approximately 94 days, with the first dry pods evident from my initial cultivation in 2013. This variety is distinguished by its delicate pale violet blossoms and compact 18-inch stature, characterized by a bushy growth habit without runners, resulting in short, flat pods. Developed by the late Robert Lobitz, it was introduced to the gardening community in 1997.

Koronis White Oaks

This bush dry bean variety features vigorous 17-inch tall plants adorned with lovely pink blossoms. Known for its exceptional productivity, it produces pods filled with plump, rounded, solid white beans. An original creation by Robert Lobitz, it was introduced approximately 25 years ago through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook.

Koronis Yellow

This bush dry bean variety features 15-inch tall plants that bear 4.5-inch long pods containing oval beans, which initially appear nearly white with a faint partial black eye ring. The seed color gradually develops into a light yellow, reminiscent of a Sulphur bean once fully matured. Another creation by Robert Lobitz, this variety showcases unique characteristics that make it a notable addition to any garden.

Koronis Yellow Eye

Bush Dry. Blossom white. Grows without runners. Early with first dry pod in 73 days when grown here in northern Illinois. Three weeks to dry down it's entire pod set. An original bean named and introduced by Robert Lobitz through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook in 1999.

Kretser Soldier

Bush dry bean. Productive and grows without runners to about twenty inches tall. The eye figure on this solider strain features a much larger eye figure with some dark blue or black speckles. A very handsome looking seed. Once traded in the Seed Savers Exhange yearbook in the 1980's. The bean has become very rare. Plants, pods, and maturity similar in season with other soldier beans.

Lake Avenue Beauty

This bush dry bean variety features charming pink blossoms and produces 6-inch pods streaked lightly in purple. It takes 90 days to yield the first dry pod, with an additional three weeks for the entire pod set to dry. Named and introduced by Robert Lobitz in 2006 through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook, this bean pays homage to Lake Avenue in his hometown of Paynesville, Minnesota. (Robert Henry Lobitz 11/20/1941 - 01/12/2006)

Lambada

This pole dry bean variety boasts a maturation period of 115 days, producing 6-inch long and 3/4-inch wide pods that can contain up to 5 seeds. The boldly marked seeds exhibit a striking contrast compared to many horticultural types. Originating from Søren Holt of Kastrup, Denmark, who acquired them from a market in Irkutsk, Siberia, the pods display stunning bright red streaks and patches as the seeds inside mature, making for a visually captivating addition to any garden.

Landfrauen

Berner Landfrauen is a pole snap bean variety that matures in about 60 days, showcasing long, round green pods adorned with distinctive purple striping. Originating from the Bern region of Switzerland this heirloom variety was obtained from the Central Tree Crops Research Trust in New Zealand as part of their New Zealand Bean Project. Its German name, which translates to "Country Woman," suggests it may have been traditionally cultivated by farmers' wives in kitchen gardens. Known for its delicious flavor and crisp texture, Berner Landfrauen is a delightful addition to any garden or meal.

Lavender Swirl

Pole/Dry. The first time I grew this bean it didn’t climb much but could have been the hot droughty season which was the cause of this. The bean is a Joseph Simcox Collected bean from overseas somewhere. The bean maybe very productive grown in a season more condusive to it’s growth.

Leslie Tenderpod

Leslie Tenderpod is a productive pole snap bean variety that thrives in the mountain region of Eastern Kentucky, likely named after Leslie County. This heirloom bean takes about 108 days to produce its first dry seeds and features round, green pods that measure approximately 5 inches long. As they dry, the pods develop a distinctive wrinkled texture. Known for their tenderness and stringlessness when cooked, Leslie Tenderpod beans can be enjoyed fresh or harvested for use as a dry bean, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

Lila Stuart

Lila Stuart a bush dry bean variety that takes 90 to 110 days for dry seed and features compact 18-inch tall plants. Originating from the Wanigan collection. I had grown this bean in the early 1980's. The bean traces its lineage back to SSE member Ernest B. Dana’s collection in Etna, New Hampshire, from the 1970s. The variety has a taken a fascinating trip in Seed Saver Circles. I reacquired this from an Oregon SSE member who obtained it from a Washington member who had originally requested the bean from me back in the '80's. It essentially completes a circle of sharing and preservation within the Seed Savers Exchange community.

Lilaschecke

Pole/Snap/Wax 70 days to short stringless yellow pods. Plants climb to about 8 feet. A European heirloom from the Moravia region of the Czech Republic. Wow, wow, wow! There are thousands of gorgeous heirloom beans out there, which is part of the allure of collecting them. But this bean is a dazzler, bright, almost electric purple splashed on white. I’ve not seen another quite like it. I haven’t ever eaten them as I was always interested in getting seeds, but it is eaten as a yellow snap bean.

Lina Sisco Bird Egg

Lina Sisco Bird Egg is a bush dry bean variety that matures in 85 days, characterized by light pink blossoms and high yields from its 14-inch upright plants, which do not have runners. It produces 6-inch pods and its seeds are distinctively marked, resembling those of many cranberry type beans. This heirloom variety was brought to Missouri in the 1880s by Lina Sisco's grandmother via covered wagon and carries a rich history tied to Lina Sisco, one of the original six members of the Seed Savers Exchange established in 1975.

Liscek

Pole/Dry. Early, 95 days to first dry pods. Blossom white. 6 inch pods borne on productive plants. Obtained from a grower in Willich, Germany. Original country of origin is Slovenia. A first class bean with a lot of great qualities. Vigorous vines, excellent production, resistant to all kinds of weather. 3 or 4 plants can easily produce over a pound of beans. The seeds of this rare bean are gorgeous too – jelly bean shaped orbs of pure white, covered over in dark charcoal with pale grey flecks. Very suitable for gardens in the North.

Little Brown Cat

Little Brown Cat is a semi-runner dry bean variety that takes approximately 90 days to produce small to medium-sized beans. Known for its productive nature and ease of shelling, it features a tall, viney plants with white blossoms. This variety hails from the late Robert Lobitz of Paynesville, Minnesota, contributing to its status as an original heirloom variety cherished for its historical significance and reliable performance.

Little Brown Eagle

Little Brown Eagle is a bush dry bean variety that matures in 88 days, producing 6 to 7-inch green pods on 16-inch tall plants. The pods are known for being easy to hand shell when dry, and they dry sequentially over approximately three weeks, contributing to the plant's high productivity. This unique variety is part of the legacy of Robert Lobitz, and its development was aided by genetic material obtained from Ron Thuma in 2015, who originally received Lobitz beans in 2008.

Little Falls

Little Falls is a bush dry bean variety characterized by its lavender blossoms and the production of 6 to 7-inch pods on 20-inch tall plants. It reaches maturity in 86 days, with pods drying sequentially over about three weeks, making it highly productive and easy to hand shell.A bean that I had named and teased out of bean material obtained from Ron Thuma of Hartford Kansas in 2015. Mr. Thuma had obtained beans left behind by Robert Lobitz after his passing in 2006.

Littlefields Special

Littlefield's Special is a bush dry bean variety that matures in 80 days, exhibiting growth characteristics similar to Jacobs Cattle, including pod set and plant height, making it a suitable option for shorter growing seasons. The seed coat is patterned like Jacobs Cattle but features a darker purple hue compared to Black Trout and Black and White Trout varieties. This bean was originally purchased from Heritage Harvest Seeds in Canada in 2014 when the company still shipped beans to the USA.

Lohrey's Special

Lohrey's Special is a versatile pole bean variety suitable for snap, shell, and dry use, characterized by its mauve blossoms. It produces the first dry pods in approximately 90 days, featuring slightly flattened 8-inch long pods with easy-to-shell seeds due to their thin pod walls. Notably, this bean has been cultivated by the Royce Lohrey family in Tasmania for over 70 years, reflecting its long-standing legacy and reliability.

Logan Giant

Logan Giant is a pole snap bean variety known for its vigorous climbing ability, reaching heights of 12 to 15 feet and producing high yields of 6-inch long pods in about 70 days. It offers a unique, almost nutty flavor, making it a delicious choice for fresh snap use. This rare Appalachian heirloom bean from West Virginia remains popular among seed-saving enthusiasts, highlighting its enduring appeal and cultural significance in the region.

Lois Archer

Pole/Lima Productive variety I have yet to discover it’s history.