Bay Bean
Canavalia rosea
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A small, mottled tan-and-brown bean with a long dark scar along one edge.
- Typical size
- 0.6–0.8 in
- How often it turns up
- Common
- Collecting
- Usually legal to collect
- Handling
- May irritate skin
Drift seeds are generally fine to pick up on public beaches. Don't remove plants or seeds from parks, preserves or dunes.
Raw seeds are toxic if eaten. Fine to pick up — just don't taste them.
How to tell it apart
- Oblong, kidney-shaped seed
- Mottled tan and brown
- Long, narrow dark hilum running along one edge
Found one?
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Commonly confused with
Cathie's BeanCanavalia nitida
Bay bean is mottled tan and brown; Cathie's bean is solid glossy red.
More sea beans in the field guide
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