Seaside-Pea, Beach pea, Heath pea
Lathyrus japonicus subsp. maritimus

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A herb.

There are about 150 Lathyrus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on sandy and gravelly shores and beaches. It grows in hardiness zones 3-7

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Britain, China, Europe, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The very young seed pods can be stir-fried. The immature seeds are eaten raw or boiled and served like peas. They can be used in soups. The ripe dried seeds are powdered and made into dumplings. They can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Seeds can be sprouted and eaten. CAUTION: The seeds should probably not be eaten in large quantities.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, seedspod

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lathyris californicus Douglas; Lathyrus japonicus var. glaber (Ser.) Fernald; Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Bigelow; Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Fr.; Lathryus maritimus var. glaber (Ser.) Eames; Orobus californicus (Douglas) Alef.; Orobus maritimus (L.) Rchb.; Pisum maritimum L.;