Lathyrus japonicus
(Beach Pea)

Other pictures of this plant:


               Seedpod                                           Leaf                                            Stem                                        Seed                                          Habit

Facts About this Plant:

    Common Names: Beach Pea, Sea Pea, Circumpolar Pea, Sea Vetchling
    Lifespan: Perennial
    Zones: 3 - 8
    Type: Forb
    Bloom Time: June - August
    Status: Native
    Range:

Lathyrus japonicus, or Beach Pea, is native to just the coastal areas of the US, in cooler areas, so along the northern Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and also the Great Lakes coast line. It is a hardy perennial vine, which grows in dry, sandy areas like shores and dunes. It blooms in mid summer with medium purple flowers.

There are several Lathyrus species in the US, both native and non-native. This species can often be identified merely by its location - it only grows along the coast, and only in sandy, dune-like areas. More information will be posted later about the most similar species.

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