Velvet bean

Cover Crop Name:

Velvet bean

Scientific Name:

Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.

Growth Season:

Warm Season, broadleaf

Plant Type:

Legume (N-fixation)

Life Cycle:

Annual, Biennial

Plant Architecture:

Upright and spreading plant architecture (vine)

Alternative Names:

Itchy bean, buffalobean, bengal bean, devil bean, cowitch

Relative Water Use:

Low water use

Seeding Depth:

1-3 inches* (∗ In some circumstances, can be planted as deep as 4 inches)

Crude Protein:

leaves 11-23%; grain 20-35%

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:

Mycorrhizal Association:

Does not form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations

Nitrogen Scavenger Rating:

Moderate at accumulating nitrogen

Other Notes:

∗ SPECIAL NOTE:

Seed contains an amino-acid (L-dopa) that may be used for medicinal purposes. However, if untreated it can be toxic to humans or non-ruminant animals
Tiny hairs on mature pods are a skin irritant. To avoid, terminate plant before seed production.

Crop Image

Crop Illustration