Seneca Bird Egg

Half Runner/Dry. 4 inch pods with up to 7 seeds per pods a little smaller than a navy bean. Productive even with the small sized seed. Plants create good volume of seed. Native American bean sent to me by a Seneca man from Pennsylvania. Grows similarly to Buxton's Buckshot except with taller plants, and identical but longer pods. Seed is colored and marked the same. In the mid 1800’s to the mid 1900’s there were many seed companies in NY state who offered varieties from the Seneca Indians. This is one of those beans.

Seneca Cornstalk

The Seneca Cornstalk is a highly productive pole dry bean that climbs to heights of six feet or more. Its pods, averaging 4.5 inches in length, wrinkle as they dry, revealing small, beautifully colored seeds in vibrant red and white. European records from the early 1600s to early 1700s indicate that this bean was popular among Carolina colonists. A native variety, the Seneca Cornstalk has long been cherished by the Haudenosaunee and southeastern Iroquois people, both before and after the arrival of white settlers.

Shantyboat

The Shantyboat is a pole Lima bean that takes approximately 105 days to yield its first dry pods. These productive plants produce average-sized pods, each containing around three seeds. The seeds are off-white, strikingly marked in red at one end. According to Joyce Pinson, administrator of the Appalachian Seed Swap in Pikeville, Kentucky, this bean boasts a rich history of cultivation in the Ohio River Valley.

Small Red

The Small Red is a pole dry bean known for its very productive vines that can climb up to 5 feet. It yields 4.5-inch pods that are easy to hand shell, revealing medium-sized, oval seeds that hold their shape when cooked, making them a great addition to soups and chili. A friend of mine from Stanwood, Iowa, successfully grew these beans from a package purchased at a local grocery store, showcasing their accessibility and ease of cultivation.

Speckled 1770

The Speckled 1770 (Yellow) is a bush dry bean that produces its first dry pods in approximately 106 days. This seed represents one of four seed coat color variations I have isolated from my original sample, closely resembling Palomino bean. First cultivated in 2012, all the plants that survived during that summer's exceptional drought exhibited an upright growth form without runners while consistently producing this distinctive seed coat color and pattern.

Speckled 1770

Speckled 1770 (red) is a bush dry bean that produces dry pods in approximately 106 days. This is a third seedcoat variation separated from my acquired seed sample of this bean that I have isotlated from my original sample. Looks like a throwback to Jacob's Cattle. Said to have been a cross of Big Soldier and Jaccob's Cattle. First cultivated in 2012, all the plants that survived during that summer's exceptional drought exhibited and upright growth without runners while consistently producing this seed coat color and pattern.

Spring Valley Purple

The Spring Valley Purple is a bush dry bean that reaches its first dry seed in about 95 days. Its pods dry sequentially over several weeks, and the upright plants grow to approximately 22 inches tall without runners. Originally named by the late Robert Lobitz, this variety's beans are slightly shorter yet heavier than those of a similar Lobitz bean, known as Purple Stardust, but Spring Valley Purple is notably more productive and features a slightly darker shade. Robert released this cultivar through the Seed Savers Exchange winter yearbook in 2004.

Stars And Stripes

Stars And Stripes is a bush dry bean that grows without runners and matures in approximately 80 days, producing pods measuring 5.5 to 6 inches containing 5 to 6 seeds. The plants reach heights of about 18 to 20 inches. This variety originated with Diane Mackentley in the 1990s and may have connections to the late Robert Lobitz. While it is a selection from Jacob's Cattle, it does not fully exhibit that variety's distinctive pattern; instead, it features light, wispy curving lines across the seeds, which aptly lend to its name.

Stevenson

The Stevenson is a pole Lima bean, originally introduced by the late Seed Savers Exchange member Ralph Stevenson from Tekonsha, Michigan. It takes approximately 110 days to produce its first dry pods. The seeds are similar in size and shape to those of the Florida Speckled lima. This variety's seeds were obtained from SSE member Christopher Inhulsen, based in Georgia, furthering its heritage and connection within the seed-saving community.

Stevenson's Black Eye

Stevenson's Black Eye is a semi-runner dry bean and one of the original varieties developed by the late Seed Savers Exchange member Ralph Stevenson from Tekonsha, Michigan. The seeds for this bean were acquired from former SSE member John Staples, who resides in New York, continuing the legacy of this distinctive variety within the seed-saving community.

Stevenson's Blue Eye

Stevenson's Blue Eye is a semi-runner dry bean that reaches its first dry seeds in approximately 114 days. Discovered and named by the late Ralph Stevenson, an early member of the Seed Savers Exchange from Tekonsha, Michigan, this variety originated as an outcross found in his bean gardens in the late 1970s. As the plants mature, they develop striking yellow pods, and the beans are commercially available through Annapolis Seeds in Canada, promoting their continued cultivation and appreciation of heirloom beans.

Succotash

Succotash is a pole dry bean notable for its striking appearance, resembling black kernels of corn, making it one of the more unusual beans I have known and grown. This variety originates from North America, primarily associated with Native American nations, particularly the Narragansett. Traditionally, the beans were used in a dish of the same name, often combined with corn and other ingredients, reflecting its cultural significance and culinary versatility.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater is a bush dry bean that matures its first dry pods in approximately 85 days, with the remaining dry beans harvested within 3 weeks thereafter. Named by me after an area of comtemporary homes in Woodstock, Illinois, this productive variety features plants that grow to about 20 inches tall, producing green 7-inch pods that develop red streaks as the beans inside mature. The seeds exhibit an intriguing seed coat pattern, combining characteristics reminiscent of Jacob's Cattle with purple streaking similar to cranberry-type beans, creating a unique visual interest.

Tamila

Tamila is a pole dry bean that is a moderate climber yet highly productive. It produces oval pods measuring about 5 inches (12 cm), each containing 5 to 7 seeds that are a rich pink color adorned with darker red stripes and swirls. This variety is cultivated in western Ukraine, with my seeds sourced from a former member of the Seed Savers Exchange in New York State, showcasing its unique heritage and vibrant appearance.

Tarahumara Capirame

Tarahumara Capirame is a bush dry bean that produces its first dry seeds in approximately 90 days, featuring light pink blossoms. Its seed pattern resembles that of other horticultural varieties. This bean comes from the Tarahumara people of the Sierra Madre in northern Mexico that grew their bean at well over 7,500 feet elevation. This bean is likely the same as the Capirame bean, with the name reflecting a more elongated form.

Taylor Dwarf Horticultural

Taylor Dwarf Horticultural is a bush dry bean that takes about 80 days to produce its first dry beans. The plants typically grow to heights of 18 to 24 inches and bear pods that are 5 to 6 inches long. Classified within the cranberry group of beans, Taylor Dwarf Horticultural was introduced to the United States during the colonial period and remains a cherished variety today. Its seed coat features typical colors of tan, buff, white, or off-white, accented with red speckles and streaks. Known for its superb taste, the beans offer a creamy texture with a slightly nutty and earthy flavor.

Tendergreen

Tendergreen is a true bush snap bean variety known for its early productivity and compact growth, reaching approximately 15 inches in height. With a blooming period characterized by delicate pink flowers, it matures in just 45 to 55 days for fresh snaps and about 90 days for its first dry pods. The green, round pods are tender, stringless, and exhibit a unique wrinkled appearance as they dry, tightening around their seeds. Originally introduced by the Peter Henderson Company in 1922, Tendergreen earned the All American Selections award in 1933 and remains a cherished favorite among bush snap bean enthusiasts.

Tenderpod

Tenderpod is a bush snap bean that features white blossoms and matures in just 50 days for fresh snaps, while its first dry pods are ready in about 90 days. Upright, runnerless plants produce round green pods measuring 4.5 to 5.5 inches, known for early yields and stringless texture. As the pods dry, they exhibit a distinct wrinkled appearance, tightening around their seeds. Released by the Burpee Seed Company in 1941, An All American Selections winner for beans in 1941. This great snap variety adds charm to any garden but also evokes curiosity about its role in World War II victory gardens and the countless gardeners it may have inspired.

Tene's Bean

Tene's Bean is a bush dry variety that takes approximately 90 days to produce its first dry seeds. This heirloom has a rich heritage, having been cultivated by the Locke family of Grand Manan, Nebraska, for three generations. The story dates back to around 1920 when Larry Locke's grandfather, Ashton, received seeds from Miss Albertine Bancroft, a gesture that ignited a long-standing family tradition of growing this unique bean. Its enduring legacy is a testament to both the beans' resilience and the Locke family's commitment to preserving their agricultural heritage.

Tennessee Wonder

Tennessee Wonder is a pole snap bean that matures in approximately 80 days, showcasing charming pink blossoms. Its remarkable green pods reach lengths of 8 to 8.5 inches and are celebrated for their delicious, stringless, round shape. Introduced by the Landreth Seed Company prior to 1901, this variety likely boasts an even richer history that predates its commercial debut. When it comes time to harvest, hand-shelling the dry pods yields minimal chaff, as the inner white membrane remains largely intact, making it a favored choice for seed saving among gardeners.

Theresa Marchese

This pole snap bean matures in 70 days, with dry pods starting to develop around 90 days. Highly productive, it produces green, rounded pods adorned with striking purple streaks and speckles. Known for its excellent stringless quality, the beans are said to possess a subtle chestnut flavor when dried. The dry pods are easy to shell by hand. Originally brought to Michigan from Sicily in the early 1900s, this bean has been lovingly cultivated by the same family ever since.

Tiger's Eye

This semi-runner dry bean matures in 65 days for shelling and 85 days for the first dry seeds, also known as Pepa De Zapallo. The plants yield wide, flattened pods, and the mature beans display a vibrant yellow-orange base color with maroon stripes that resemble a tiger's eye. In culinary applications, these beans are easily substituted for pintos, boasting a unique and unparalleled flavor. During cooking, the skins gradually dissolve, leaving the bean's flesh soft and creamy. This variety hails from the regions Chile and Argentina.

Tigre

Originating from Austria, this semi-runner dry bean takes 71 days to produce its first dry pod, with subsequent pods drying over the following 30 days. The plants are exceptionally productive, yielding small beans that more than compensate in total seed volume. I obtained this variety from my friend Harriet Mella in Liebenfels, Austria, and it is another creation by her fellow bean enthusiast, Erich Gerencser, from Styria.

Tobacco Patch

This bush dry bean matures in 90 days to produce its first dry seeds and is an earlier variety compared to "Soldier," yet it stands distinct from it. The strong, upright plants grow without runners, keeping their pods well off the ground. Remarkably resilient, during my first growing season with this bean in 2012, it thrived through what I dubbed the "Summer From Hell," showcasing truly impressive performance even amidst intense heat and drought.

Topcrop

This bush snap bean matures in just 53 days and features delicate light pink blossoms. Widely adapted and vigorous, the plants yield a concentrated set of round, medium green pods measuring 5 to 6 inches in length. Topcrop is resistant to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV), Bean Pod Mottle Virus, and NY 15. Bred by the USDA in Beltsville, Maryland, it was introduced in 1947 and received the All-American Selections Award in 1950. Its parentage includes United States 5, Refugee and Full Measure, making it another of my all-time favorite snap varieties.

Top Notch Golden Wax

This bush snap bean features beautiful white blossoms and matures in just 50 to 55 days to its first snaps. The productive 18-inch-tall plants are resistant to common bean diseases such as the mosaic virus and yield bright yellow, stringless pods that are widely adapted and perfect for canning or freezing. With a mild flavor, this variety has been listed in seed catalogs since the late 1940s. The oldest known Golden Wax varieties were introduced around 1871.

Tramonto di Trebua

This Italian pole snap bean is known for producing an abundance of uniform green pods. The plants will continue to yield throughout the growing season, lasting until killed by autumn frost, provided they are regularly harvested. Joseph Simcox, "The Botanical Explorer," brought this variety back from a European seed-finding expedition. The Angelini Brothers of Spello in Umbria, Italy discovered the seeds in their grandfather's chest after his passing and planted them to honor their "Babbo" (grandfather), ultimately fostering their own love for beans and continuing the family tradition.

Trebulino Di Domenico

Trebulino di Domenico is a highly productive dry pole bean and an Italian heirloom variety with origins traced back to the renowned bean grower Domenico Angelini, who also created the Monachello di Trivio bean. Named after the small hamlet of Trebulino near Trivio, Italy, this variety was introduced to North America by Joseph Simcox, "The Botanical Explorer." Feedback from growers I've sent this bean to confirms its reputation as a true keeper, making it a dependable choice for cultivation.

True Red Cranberry

Pole Dry. True Red Cranbery one of the first beans ever grown in New England. More cultivated in this country than any other variety. Before its unequaled reign as New England’s most regarded dry bean. TRC could have been found climbing the stalks of Abenaki nation crops. Mentioned in American Cookery in 1796 was nearly forgotten by mid 20th century. About this time, this nearly extinct heirloom bean was rediscovered by celebrated bean collector, John Withee of his Wanigan bean network fame. Searching for 11 years after reading about a Red Cranberry bean in a 1700's gardening encyclopedia. Eventually found on Mr. Taylor's farm in Steep Falls, Maine.

Turkey

Pole Dry. Vigorous vines beautiful and prolific producer of quality beans. Good for any recipe you would use for dry beans. Country of origin Turkey. It's historical metrics remain a complete mystery at this time.

Turkey Craw

Turkey Craw is a pole dry bean that matures in 108 days, with its best use as a dry bean. It features white blossoms and produces flat green pods measuring 5 to 7 inches, which wrinkle and tighten around the seeds as they dry. These vigorous plants can climb up to 8 feet tall and boast a rich heritage from Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, where they were often grown as cornfield beans. Enveloped in folklore, the name "Turkey Craw" originates from the tale of a hunter who extracted a bean from a turkey's craw, subsequently planting and preserving it for future generations.

Tuvagliedda

Pole/Dry. This variety is stunning with its tiger-like stripes across a mottled tan/white surface. Fastastic production of a variety from Italy. Originates in Sarconi, Italy, a town in the province of Potenza, in the southern region of Basilicata. This bean is another one of Beanmaster Domenico Belisarios special selections. Domenico raises almost two dozen heirloom varieties on his family farm in Basilicata Province in Southern Italy. Domenico is a fourth generation bean farmer.

Uncle Willies

Bush/Dry. Blossom white. 90+ days to first dry seed. Large production of 6 inch pods on 18 inch plants containing these typically appearing horticultural or cranberry class looking seeds. From Annapolis Seed Company Nova Scotia, Canada. They are likely a Canadian variety as the owner there Owen Bridge states that he has grown this bean since he was a kid.

Unrivalled Wax

Unrivalled Wax is a bush yellow snap bean with stocky, productive plants that reach 12 to 14 inches (30-36 cm) in height. It produces tender, stringless snap pods measuring approximately 5 inches (12 cm) early in the season and of excellent quality. This variety first appeared in the Vilmorin seed catalog in France in 1909 and was introduced to the U.S. by D.M. Ferry and Company in 1913. By 1931, it was featured in nearly one-fourth of the seed catalogs of the time and has earned a reputation for thriving in drought conditions.

Uzice Speckled Wax

AUzice Speckled Wax is a European heirloom yellow wax bean originating from the Zlatibor District in Western Serbia. It produces an impressive load of pods, maturing in 75 days for snaps and 120 days for dry seeds. In my experience, it has grown as a short, viney plant with short runners, bearing pods close to the ground. However, some West Coast growers have reported that it can develop into a full-fledged climber, reaching heights of at least 6 feet, with pods produced along the full length of the vines.

Veitch Wonder

Bush dry. A beautiful old European bean sourced from a grower in Belgium. Hybrid of common bean(Phaseolus Vulgaris x a runner bean Phaseolus Coccineus) from the James Veitch Nurseries of Chelsea-UK-Anno 1900-1910. Found in 2015 by the Belgian Seedhunter Lieven Decrick in a Colombian Genebank.

Vaquero

Vaquero is a semi-runner dry bean that can be harvested in just 84 days from direct seeding. It is among the many beans of the Southwest and features a seed coat pattern similar to the Zuni Shalako and Anasazi beans, suggesting a possible relationship to those varieties. The name may be inspired by the Vaquero Indians, and when cooked, it is said to create a rich, dark inky pot liquor. In a good season, planting 35 seeds can yield approximately 2.5 pounds of beans.

Vermont Appaloosa

Vermont Appaloosa is a bush dry bean that matures in 85 days to dry seed and can also be harvested as snap beans when young. The short, compact plants reach 18 inches tall and produce pods measuring 4 to 5 inches, each containing 4 to 5 seeds. Native to Central and South America, this variety has been cultivated in the Southwest and is particularly prized for its adaptability to varying climates, thriving equally well in both cool and hot weather.

Vermont Mohawk

Pole/Dry. Very productive. 100 days to dry seed. The Mohawk people who were part of the Iroquois Confederacy lived along the Mohawk river valley what is now upstate New York. Their territory was primarily along the south bank of the Mohawk river. Extending into Southern Canada and Vermont. This is one of their beans. A beautiful large kidney shaped cranberry type bean with a light tan base color with red speckles and stripes. The plants are very productive. Immature seed can be shelled and prepared as a shelly bean or used in the mature dry state. Pods are 6 inches long and clean shelling when hand shelled. Hand shelled pods don't create a lot of chaff.

Vermont Yellow Eye

Semi Runner/Dry. 90 to 110 days to dry seed. Blossom white, pods solid green. From Deaflora seeds in Germany Via a bean friend Harriet Mella of Liebenfels, Austria. Good for soup and baked beans. The variety traces back to the Vermont Bean Seed Company. Vermont Yellow Eye beans, a New England staple, are small, off-white beans with a characteristic yellowish-brown marking, known for their creamy texture and mild, earthy flavor, making them a popular choice for baked beans and soups.

Victoria Brown Eyes

Victoria Brown Eyes is a bush snap bean with white blossoms that matures in 65 days for the first snaps and 90 days for the first dry pods. The vigorous plants, reaching 20 inches tall, yielding plump, stringless, and flavorful pods. This variety was introduced and named by Robert Lobitz through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook approximately 25 years ago, making it a cherished addition to the seed community.

Viola

Semi Runner/Dry. 85 days to first dry pods. The remainder of the pods dry sequentially within about 3 weeks time. Small navy bean sized seeds are produced by a load of 4 to 5 inch long pods that are purple. Beans color vary from dusty purple to creamy white with a hint of purple blush on either side of the seed. This productive bean is one of the many original named beans from the late Robert Lobitz that were released through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook in 2004.

Volga German Siberian

Pole/Dry. 108 days to first dry pods. 4.5 to 5 inch pods can contain up to 7 seeds. Beautiful large horticultural patterned seeds. Good dry or for fresh shelling. Said to be cold tolerant. Russia's Katharina the Great invited German menonites who then went to Russia to flee compulsory miltary service imposed by the new Prussian government. They helped develop the new conquered Russian territories of southern Russia and Ukraine. They also produced this heirloom bean. In the early 20th century the USSR deported many to Siberia. Some immigrated to Kansas developing the wheat industry there and brought this bean with them.

Wadena

Wadena is a semi-runner dry bean that takes 85 days to produce its first dry beans. Characterized by small dark pink seeds adorned with red around the eye, it bears productive pods measuring approximately 3 3/4 inches. Introduced and named by the late Robert Lobitz, a member of the Seed Savers Exchange from Paynesville, Minnesota, the bean named after the town of Wadena, Minnesota. In the Ojibwe language Wadena means "Little Round Hill".

Wanamingo

Wanamingo is a bush snap bean with white blossoms that matures in 85 days to produce its first dry seeds. This variety features large, productive plants that yield 5 to 6-inch pods, with seeds resembling a larger version of the Magpie beans. Named by the late Robert Lobitz, who introduced it through the Seed Savers yearbook nearly 25 years ago, the bean is named after the small town of Wanamingo, Minnesota, located southeast of Minneapolis, roughly halfway to Rochester from Paynesville.

Weaver

Weaver is a pole snap bean that matures in 66 days, featuring white blossoms and a prolific production of 7 to 8-inch long flattened stringless green pods. It has been one of my favorite snap beans since I first grew it in the early 1980s. This variety was developed by the now-defunct C.H. Weaver Seed Company of Brawley, California, likely in the 1930s, and it also serves as an excellent dry bean, making it a versatile addition to any garden.

Weiner Treib

Bush Dry. German variety. They have an exceptionally rich flavor and a meaty texture making them excellent baked or in soups stews and chilis. Dry beans were ready in 75 days, very early, and easy to pick on this 20 inch tall plants.

Willmar Pinto

Bush/Dry. Blossom pink. Productive compact plants grow to about 16 inches. One of the many original varieties from the late Robert Lobitz of Paynesville, Minnesota, located in Stearns county. Robert released this bean through the Seed Savers Exchange yearbook in 1999. Named after the town of Willmar, Minnesota.

Witzenhausen

Pole/Dry. 84 days to first dry pods. Then pods dry sequentially. Very productive with large pod set and large volume of beans produced. Another of the lovely beans acquired from Deaflora in Germany via Harriet Mella of Austria.

Witzenhausen Red

Pole/Dry. 90 to 95 days to first dry pods. Very productive plants produce nice quality beans. There is nothing not to like about this variety. Acquired it from a grower in Willich, Germany in 2019.

Yellow Orange

Pole/Dry. Yellow Orange has fairly short pods about 4 inches long but produces them in large numbers. Seeds are crowded close in the pods as evident by the flattened seed ends. An old variety that doesn't seem to have any known history. This bean has been with me for at least 45 years.

Zebra

Zebra is a pole dry bean that takes about 100 days to begin producing dry pods. The plants yield copious amounts of 4-inch pods, which are easy to hand shell, and the seeds are slightly smaller than Navy bean. While it may lack in individual seed size, this variety compensates with impressive overall productivity and volume. It was sent to me in 2013 by an Australian citizen residing in South Africa, and I was delightfully surprised when I personally grew this bean for the first time in 2020.

Zebra Aus Teneriffa

Pole/Dry. About 100 days to the start of dry pods. Highly productive plants produce large amounts of 5 inch pods that are easy to hand shell. The bean was obtained from a grower in Willich, Germany. It's name translates to English as Zebra from Tenerife.

Zona Upchurch

Zona Upchurch is a pole dry bean known for its potential as a good snap bean, featuring fat, thick pods. This Appalachian variety is named after a woman who cultivated these striking beans, which have a fine purple spray concentrated at one end of the cream-colored seed, resembling the Ohio Pole. Although it matures later than some other varieties, Zona Upchurch is quite productive, making it a cherished choice among gardeners seeking both beauty and yield.

Zumbro Falls

Zumbro Falls is a bush snap bean with white blossoms, known for its delightful stringless green pods that can be harvested in just 48 days, as observed in northern Illinois. I steam cooked and taste tested this bean on July 26, 2020, and found it to be a standout variety. This cultivar is part of the extensive legacy of the late Robert Lobitz from Paynesville, Minnesota, who named the bean after the small town of Zumbro Falls, which has a population of just over 200 in Wabasha County, southeastern Minnesota.

Zuni Shalako

Zuni Shalako is a semi-runner dry bean that takes 107 days to produce dry seeds. This variety features viney, spreading, and highly productive plants, with a seed coat pattern reminiscent of New Mexico Red Appaloosa, Gila, Vaquero and a few other varieties. It holds cultural significance in Zuni Pueblo, as it is used during the late fall visitation of the Shalako Kachina for granting directional blessings for new dwellings, making it not only a sustainable crop but also a part of the community's traditions.