Lathyrus Maritimus (Japonicus). Beach Pea.
Lathyrus maritimus, commonly known as the Beach Pea, is a charming and resilient coastal plant species that thrives along sandy shorelines and dunes, making it an essential component of coastal ecosystems worldwide. This hardy perennial herbaceous plant is characterized by its distinctive vining growth habit, featuring slender, twining stems that reach lengths of up to 60 centimeters (24 inches). The Beach Pea’s delicate, pinnately compound leaves are adorned with pairs of lance-shaped leaflets that provide an elegant backdrop to its striking blooms.
The Beach Pea produces stunning, pea-like flowers that are a delightful shade of lavender to pale blue, adding a splash of color to the otherwise austere coastal landscape. These vibrant blossoms are borne in clusters at the ends of their gracefully arching stems and bloom from late spring through early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. As the growing season progresses, these lovely flowers give way to the formation of elongated, cylindrical seed pods that contain the plant’s seeds. Indigenous communities and early settlers have historically harvested these edible seeds as a valuable source of nutrition. In addition to its ecological importance in stabilizing coastal dunes, Lathyrus maritimus’ aesthetic appeal and potential as a food source make it a cherished and valuable part of coastal environments.
