Jack bean

Cover Crop Name:

Jack bean

Scientific Name:

Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.

Growth Season:

Warm Season, broadleaf

Plant Type:

Legume (N-fixation)

Life Cycle:

Annual, Perennial

Plant Architecture:

Upright and spreading plant architecture (vine)

Alternative Names:

wonderbean, sword-bean, coffee bean, giant stock-bean, horse-bean

Relative Water Use:

Low water use

Salinity Tolerance:

Fair salinity tolerance

Seeding Depth:

1 – 3 inches

Crude Protein:

≈ 30%

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:

21 (green manure/Brazil)

Other Notes:

∗ SPECIAL NOTE:

HUMAN: Although young pods/green seeds can be eaten, mature beans can contain harmful compounds and must be cooked prior to eating
LIVESTOCK: Because of the potential toxic compounds in the seed, meal must be heat-treated to denature the enzymes or limited to 30% of the ration

Crop Image

Crop Illustration