Sea Pea (Lathyrus japonicus)

Sea Pea

Also known as: Circumpolar Pea, Seaside Pea

Sea Pea (Lathyrus japonicus) is a legume species native to Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Sea Pea is commonly also called the sea pea, the circumpolar pea and the sea vetchling. This species grows best in temperate climates and sandy shores.

Scientific classification

Species

Sea Pea (Lathyrus japonicus)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb, Vine

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

1 cm

Flower Size

Purple, Pink, Red

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Sea Pea

Attributes of Sea Pea

Growth Rate

In spring and summer, sea Pea's moderate growth rate results in a steady expansion of foliage. Gradual height augmentation is visible, with increased leaf production privileging solar intake. This pattern continues until late summer, promising robustness without an explosive surge. Interestingly, fluctuating growth speeds across seasons may induce stress tolerance in sea Pea, enhancing its survival adaptability.

Distribution of Sea Pea

Distribution Map

Sea Pea is a plant with a natural range spanning temperate and arctic coastlines of the northern hemisphere. Its growth extends across major regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. This plant has been introduced to parts of South America, adapting to similar coastal environments outside its native distribution.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Beaches and gravelly areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Money, Love

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Toxicity

Sea Pea possesses moderate toxicity to humans, cats, and dogs, primarily through ingestion of its seeds. Symptoms in humans include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, convulsions, or tremors. Cats and dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset and neurological signs. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets ingest these seeds to mitigate health complications.

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Care Guide for Sea Pea

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Sea Pea thrives in coastal areas, favoring sandy soils and saline conditions. It prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dryness, requiring weekly watering. With a robust root system, sea Pea effectively extracts water during the growing season, ensuring survival despite variable rainfall.

Fertilize: For sea Pea, use balanced fertilizers biweekly in spring/summer, monthly in fall, and none in winter. Apply a diluted solution to prevent nutrient overload and water the soil before fertilizing. Avoid over-fertilization to protect roots and nitrogen fixation capabilities.

Pruning: Sea Pea is a perennial with a trailing habit and vibrant flowers. Prune in early spring, cutting back to 1-2 inches above a node to encourage branching. Light pruning maintains shape and vigor. Monitor for pests and ensure well-drained soil for optimal health.

Propagation: Sea Pea excels in coastal areas, thriving in sandy, salt-sprayed conditions. Successful cultivation requires simulating its natural habitat with well-draining soil. Inoculating with suitable rhizobia enhances nitrogen fixation, promoting vigorous growth and reflecting sea Pea's resilience in its native environment.

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Images of Sea Pea

Attributes of Sea Pea

Distribution of Sea Pea

Culture

Toxicity

Care Guide for Sea Pea

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