Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) is an annual forb native to southern US states (such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia) and has also been successfully introduced across North America as a non-invasive legume that can thrive in USDA Zones 4–11 as a warm-season annual. Reaching a mature height of 1–3 feet with an upright branching or semi-twining growth habit, it features trifoliate dark green leaves and produces pale yellow pea-like flowers followed by dark seed pods. It thrives in well-drained sandy to loamy soils in full sun and is ideal for agricultural pulse production, green manure nitrogen fixation, and cover cropping.
Mung beans are a warm season legume that performs well in high heat and drought situations. Mung beans are sensitive to a cold temperatures and winter kill with a freeze.