Vigna sesquipedalis

The botanical name for the yardlong bean — a vigorous, heat-loving climbing legume from tropical Asia, famed for pods a foot and a half long.
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Vigna sesquipedalis — the yardlong bean

Vigna sesquipedalis is the botanical name for the yardlong bean, also called the asparagus or snake bean — a vigorous, warm-climate climbing legume in the pea family (Fabaceae) famed for its extraordinarily long, slender pods. It is the species behind our yardlong beans within the wider vegetable collection. It is widely treated as a subspecies of the cowpea, and is also written Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis.

History & origin

The yardlong bean originated in tropical Asia, where it has long been a staple of South and Southeast Asian and southern Chinese cooking. A heat-loving relative of the cowpea, it is grown across the warmer parts of the world for its tender immature pods.

Its name is wonderfully literal: sesquipedalis is Latin for "a foot and a half long," a fair description of the dangling pods, while Vigna honours the 17th-century Italian botanist Dominico Vigna. The everyday names — yardlong, asparagus and snake bean — all describe the same remarkable pods.

Botanical characteristics

A twining annual climber, Vigna sesquipedalis bears typical trifoliate bean leaves and pretty pale-lilac flowers, followed by the famously long, pencil-thin pods that hang in pairs and can reach 40–60 cm or more. Unlike common green beans, it thrives in heat and humidity and keeps cropping through hot weather, with a distinctive nutty, slightly denser flavour and a firm, crunchy texture best enjoyed young.

Growing Vigna sesquipedalis from seed

This is a true heat-lover, so sow indoors in late spring and plant out only once it's reliably warm. Give the vigorous vines a tall, sturdy support, a sunny, sheltered position and steady moisture, and pick the pods young and often to keep them coming. In cooler climates, grow under glass for the warmth it craves. Our vegetable growing guide covers the essentials, and the vegetable sowing calendar shows the timing.

Ready to grow them? Browse the range or read up first.

Related categories: Yardlong Beans · Legumes · Climbing Beans · Peas · All Vegetables

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What does sesquipedalis mean?
It's Latin for "a foot and a half long," a literal description of the long, dangling pods. The genus Vigna honours the Italian botanist Dominico Vigna. Is the yardlong bean a type of cowpea?
Yes — it's a heat-loving relative of the cowpea, widely classed as a subspecies and also written Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis. How is it different from a common green bean?
It thrives in heat and humidity, keeps cropping through hot weather, and has much longer pods with a nuttier flavour and firmer, crunchier texture. Does Vigna sesquipedalis need a lot of warmth?
Yes — it's a true tropical climber. Sow indoors, plant out only once it's reliably warm, and in cool climates grow it under glass for the best crops.