Dry Pole Bean - Blue Shackamaxon
Used as a dry or shelly bean. Vigorous, up to 6 feet tall, requires a trellis. Late to mature but did fine in NW Washington State. Similar to Cherokee Trail of Tears bean, may be related. Seeds are steel blue when fresh, drying to solid, shiny black. Very productive. Reported to be tolerant of drought and cool spring weather. Does well in both warmer and cooler climates in the US.
Originally from the Lenape Indians who used to live along the Delaware River, and subsequently grown in Pennsylvania for local consumption for many years. Shackamaxon was a former Lenape town in what is now the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The alternate name "Treaty Bean" comes from Shackamaxon reportedly being the site of a 1682 treaty signing between the Lenape and William Penn.
First offered in the Seed Savers Exchange in 2003 by William Woys Weaver. Grown organically but not certified.