Phaseolus vulgaris

The Ohio Pole Bean is a force to be reckoned with. Growing 7-10 feet tall and producing oodles of huge, 8 plus inch-long pods, this bean needs a strong support. It was first reported in the 18th century as being grown by the Miami people in modern day Indiana, and is certainly much older than that. Also grown by the Potawatomi, Shawnee, Iroquois and Delaware tribes. It was reportedly brought to Baltimore in 1811 by the Quaker abolitionist Elisha Tyson.

Small, young pods can be eaten as green beans, but it's perhaps better as a shelling or a beautiful, purple-splashed dry bean that is plump and meaty. Ligh-green pods are very thick and fleshy, so require extra time to dry.

Pole habit

100 days to dry beans