Lathyrus japonicus
Fabaceae
Beach Pea
Trailing or clambering over other plants. Stems round or angled, not winged. Leaves pinnately compound, ending with curly, straight, or branched tendrils; stipules at base same size as leaflet; even number of leaflets, 1–2 in. long, fleshy. Flowers 3–8 on upper flower stalk, upper petals reddish to purple-blue, wing petals white. Seedpods become hairless and to 3 in. long at maturity. Grows on dunes, sandy coastal beaches, wet areas inland.
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Flowering Time: Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
- Flower Form: Pea flowers, compound leaves
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Height: 1–5 feet
- Habitat: Bog/Fen/Wetland, Coastal
- Found In: Olympic NP
- Native: Yes
- Latin Synonyms: Lathyrus maritimus
