Beach Pea
Lathyrus japonicus maritimus

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

May be known as Lathyrus japonicus maritima.

Lathyrus japonicus maritimus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Shingle beaches and sand dunes.

Circumpolar, south to Britain, France, Mongolia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The immature seeds are eaten raw or cooked like peas. Mature seeds are cooked or sprouted and used in salads. A delightful vegetable. A famine food. Very bitter. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpods - raw or cooked when less than 25mm long. A sweet flavour. Young plant - raw or cooked. Use young shoots that are less than 25cm long. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Nitrogen Fixer.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any moderately good garden soil. Prefers a deep moist well-drained soil in a cool position. Prefers a position in full sun, growing well on hot sunny banks. The seed remains viable for 4 - 5 years in sea water. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. Growth habit is herbaceous. The plant growth habit is a suckering vine sending up suckers some distance main plant. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, then it can also be sown in situ in mid spring. Division in spring. It may not transplant well so care should be taken.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The seed contains a toxic amino-acid which, in large quantities, can cause a very serious disease of the nervous system known as 'lathyrism'. The seed is said to be perfectly safe and very nutritious in small quantities, but should not comprise more than 30% of the diet.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. maritimus.