Vicia faba - the broad bean, fava or faba bean - is a species of flowering plant in the pea and bean family Fabaceae. It is is a stiffly erect plant 0.5 to 1.8 metres (1.6 to 5.9 ft) tall, with stems square in cross-section, grey-green leaves 10 to 25 centimetres (3.9 to 9.8 in) long and pinnate with 2–7 leaflets and white flowers. Unlike most other vetches, the leaves do not have tendrils for climbing over other vegetation. The broad bean has high plant hardiness - it can withstand harsh and cold climates.