Beach-pea
Lathyrus japonicus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Lathyrus japonicus is a native beach pea vine that thrives in coastal areas across northern and western US states. This hardy plant produces purple flowers from June through August and attracts bees and butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Beach-pea as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Beach-pea
Grow Beach-pea in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Lathyrus japonicus naturally grow?
- Beach pea is native to coastal regions in 20 US states, including the Great Lakes shores, Atlantic coast from Maine to New Jersey, and Pacific coast in California, Oregon, and Washington.
- When does beach pea bloom?
- Lathyrus japonicus blooms during summer months from June through August, producing clusters of purple pea-like flowers.
- What pollinators visit beach pea flowers?
- Beach pea attracts various bees and butterflies that visit its purple flowers for nectar and help with pollination.
- What growing conditions does beach pea prefer?
- This coastal vine thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water needs, making it well-adapted to sandy beach and dune environments.
- Is Beach-pea toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Beach-pea as toxic to livestock.
- Is Beach-pea HOA-friendly?
- Beach-pea takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Ready to grow Beach-pea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz