Silky Beach Pea

Lathyrus littoralis

Silky Beach Pea

Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Lathyrus
Species:
Lathyrus littoralis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Bloom Months:
apr, may, jun, jul
Bloom Colors:
Purple

Native Range

United States: California, Oregon, Washington, Canada: British Columbia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Lasionycta arietis

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Obscure bumble bee (Bombus caliginosus), Obscure bumble bee (Bombus caliginosus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal dunes and sandy areas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in 180F water and cooled overnight

Establishment: Seeds are collected between July 1st and August 30th. Mature pods are brown. L. littoralis is found in coastal strand communities from Monterery County, California, north to British Columbia.

Source: npn.rngr.net