Beach-pea
Lathyrus japonicus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CT, IL, IN and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Beach-pea is a trailing native vine with distinctive purple pea-like flowers that bloom throughout summer. This salt-tolerant plant naturally spreads along the ground, making it useful for erosion control on slopes or as groundcover in challenging sites.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beach-pea takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sprawling vine growth looks too wild for formal landscapes
- Can appear messy without regular management
- May spread beyond intended boundaries
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the long summer blooming period. As a member of the pea family, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Beach-pea fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.