View photos of the edible plant, Phaseolus angustissimus (Slimleaf bean), profiled in the Wild Edible Series: Arizona and New Mexico: Vol 1.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico (Volume 1):
Another Wild bean in New Mexico is Phaseolus angustissimus (Slimleaf bean). It too grows in the Gila
region, to El Paso, and north to Santa Fe. Its leaves are narrower (and beans smaller) than Spotted bean; however, it is just as edible.
View photos of the edible plant Phaseolus acutifolius var. tenuifolius (Tepary bean), profiled in Wild Edible Plants of Arizona. [Wild specimen – not from cultivation]
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of Arizona:
Although wild populations of Tepary have been reported for the upper reaches of the Verde River area, it’s most commonly encountered from the Tonto National Forest south throughout the Sky Island ranges of southeastern Arizona.
Found in the wild, Tepary is much smaller than domesticated cultivars, but tastes about the same. Pleasant and mild, just be sure to soak, rinse, and simmer the beans until fully cooked. The fresh flowers are not bad tasting. They make a colorful addition to salads and the like.
View photos of the edible plant Phaseolus maculatus (Spotted bean), profiled in Wild Edible Plants of Arizona and Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of Arizona:
After flowering in late summer, the green–immature pods/beans are first to appear. Eat them fresh or boil/
roast them as green peas/beans. At this stage they are mild and pleasant–tasting.
A passage from Wild Edible Plants of New Mexico:
Specifically, middle elevations of the Mogollon, Big Burro, Sacramento, and Pinos Altos Mountains are a number of its locales. Look for it on hillsides, slopes, and gulch sides. Manzanita, Oak, and Juniper are its common associates.
