Fabaceae

Lathyrus japonicus

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: All Spring And Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 1--5 feet
• Habitat: Coastal, Bog/Fen/Wetland
• Found In: Olympic Np
• Native: Yes