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Description
Lathyrus Littoralis, commonly known as the beach pea, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found along the coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes region. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a sprawling growth habit, with stems that can reach up to 6 feet in length. The beach pea produces showy flowers that are typically purple, pink, or white in color and bloom from May to August. The plant also produces edible seeds that were once used by Native Americans as a food source.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Lathyrus |
Appearance
The beach pea has a distinctive appearance with its sprawling growth habit and long, slender stems. The plant produces compound leaves that are made up of two to six oval-shaped leaflets. The showy flowers of the beach pea are typically purple, pink, or white in color and bloom from May to August. The flowers are followed by edible seed pods that can be harvested in the fall. The beach pea is a hardy plant that can tolerate salt spray and harsh coastal conditions.
Care Guide
The beach pea is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care to thrive. Here are some care tips for growing beach pea:
Water: The beach pea prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Be sure to water the plant deeply once a week and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization: The beach pea does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil if desired.
Soil: The beach pea prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate sandy or loamy soil types.
Sunlight: The beach pea prefers full sun to partial shade and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: The beach pea is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The beach pea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that may affect the plant:
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can gather on the leaves and stems of the beach pea, causing distortion and discoloration. Use insecticidal soap to control aphids.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling and webbing on the leaves of the beach pea. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves of the beach pea. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew.
Habitat
The beach pea is native to North America and can be found along the coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes region. The plant grows in sandy or loamy soil and can tolerate salt spray and harsh coastal conditions. The beach pea is an important component of coastal dune ecosystems, where it helps to stabilize the sand and prevent erosion.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the beach pea a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, the beach pea is an excellent plant for stabilizing sand and preventing erosion in coastal dune ecosystems.
Q: Are the seeds of the beach pea edible?
A: Yes, the seeds of the beach pea are edible and were once used by Native Americans as a food source.
Q: Does the beach pea require fertilizer?
A: The beach pea does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil if desired.
Q: Is the beach pea resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, the beach pea is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the beach pea:
- Lathyrus japonicus
- Lathyrus odoratus
- Lathyrus tuberosus
- Lathyrus maritimus
References
- USDA Plants Database: Lathyrus littoralis
- University of Connecticut Plant Database: Lathyrus littoralis
- Washington Native Plant Society: Lathyrus littoralis
