Pronounced (approximate): LATH-ih-rus jah-PON-ih-kus
Purple pea flowers cluster above broad paired leaflets. Leaf stalks end in curling tendrils.
Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Fabaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms June–August
Height 1 to 2 feet
Habitat part shade, sun; sandy soil, mostly lake shores
Common names: Beach Pea
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; sandy soil, mostly lake shores. Flowering season: June–August.
Beach Pea has broad paired leaflets and a terminal tendril. Compare these with the narrower leaflets of many vetches.
Purple pea flowers cluster above broad paired leaflets.
Leaf stalks end in curling tendrils.
The plant sprawls across sandy shores. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
3 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native in North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AK, CA, CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, RI, VT, WA, WI
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Beach Pea in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.