Silky Beach Pea
Lathyrus littoralis
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Susan E. Nyoka
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lathyrus
- Species:
- Lathyrus littoralis
- USDA Symbol:
- LALI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Lasionycta arietis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of hard seed coat recommended before cold stratification. Soaking in warm water for 24 hours can also aid germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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