Origin
Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl., commonly known as Beach Pea or Seaside Pea, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the western coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to California.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Beach Pea or Seaside Pea. In addition, it is also known by other common names such as American vetchling, wild pea, and coastal pea.
Uses
The Beach Pea has been utilized in a variety of ways. Historically, the plant was a source of food for Native American tribes along the Pacific Northwest coast. The beans were either eaten fresh or cooked and dried for later consumption. The Beach Pea also plays an important role in coastal sand dune restoration projects. The plant's strong root system helps to stabilize and anchor sand in place, preventing erosion.
General Appearance
The Beach Pea is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet in height. Its stems are woody and hollow, growing upright or trailing on the ground. The leaves are pinnately compound, meaning they have several pairs of leaflets arranged along a central stem. The plant produces beautiful purple, pink, or white flowers that grow in clusters of up to five blooms. The seeds are encased in a long pod, which is covered in short hairs.
The Beach Pea is an attractive addition to coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt and windy conditions. Its deep root system makes it an ideal plant for erosion control on sandy beaches.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus littoralis typically prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Without sufficient light, the plant may experience stunted growth and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Lathyrus littoralis is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in moderate temperatures, with a range of 65-75 degrees F. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 50 degrees F and as high as 90 degrees F, but it may not grow as vigorously under these conditions.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Lathyrus littoralis must be well-drained and rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 8.0). The ideal soil type would be sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.0. The plant needs moderate levels of soil moisture, but it does not tolerate waterlogged soil. The addition of compost or organic fertilizer can improve soil fertility and support healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. is a hardy plant that grows well in sandy soils, making it perfect for coastal gardens. It prefers full sun or partial shade and requires well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and should be planted in early spring or fall.
Watering Needs:
The plant needs moderate watering and should not be allowed to dry out completely. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week or every 10 days, rather than frequent, shallow watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization:
Using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season can help promote growth and flowering. Alternatively, using organic compost or well-rotted manure can also provide the necessary nutrients.
Pruning:
Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. is not a plant that requires extensive pruning. However, removing spent flowers and deadheading can encourage new growth and prolong blooming. Any damaged or diseased parts of the plant should be removed immediately to avoid spreading the disease to the rest of the plant.
Propagation of Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl.
Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. commonly known as beach pea is a native coastal plant of western North America extending along the Pacific coastline from Alaska to Baja California. The plant propagates through both sexual and asexual means, making it easier for production and maintenance in plant nurseries and gardens.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for beach pea is through seeds. Seeds can be collected in the summer months when pods dry up and become brown in color. Sow seeds in seedling flats, with well-draining, sandy soil.
The seeds should be surface sown as they require light to germinate; cover the seeds with a layer of vermiculite or coarse sand to prevent them from drying out. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 60-70°F, and germination usually takes a week to three weeks.
After germination, gradually reduce the moisture level to avoid damping off. Transplant the seedlings to individual pots when they have grown their first true leaves and are big enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Beach pea can also be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in fall. Select healthy one-year-old branches and cut 4-6" inches long cuttings. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Prepare a 50:50 mix of perlite and peat, wet it well, and poke holes in it. Insert the cuttings into the prepared soil, making sure the soil is in close contact with the cuttings. Place the pot in a shaded place and mist the cuttings regularly.
After 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted, and small leaves will appear. Reduce misting, and gradually increase the light intensity to harden off the plants. After eight to ten weeks, the young plants will be ready for transplanting.
Overall, propagating Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. through either seed or cuttings is a simple process, producing a beautiful plant that adapts well to a wide range of conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl.
Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. is generally considered to be a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases or pests. However, there are a few issues that can arise and impact the health of the plant.
Diseases
One common disease that affects Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. is root rot, typically caused by excessive moisture or poor drainage. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing foliage and wilting, and in more severe cases, the entire plant may die. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and the soil is well-draining.
Fungal leaf spot diseases can also affect Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. Symptoms of leaf spot include brown spots on the foliage that may have a yellow halo around them. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and discard them, and avoid watering the plant from overhead to prevent water from sitting on foliage for prolonged periods.
Pests
There are a few pests that may feed on Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. foliage, including aphids and spider mites. Aphids can be identified by their small size and pear-shaped bodies and are typically found on the undersides of leaves. Spider mites are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye but can be identified by the fine webbing they produce. To manage aphids and spider mites, spray the plant with a hose to dislodge the pests, or use an insecticidal soap or oil to control their populations.
Caterpillars, such as the Lathyrus webworm, can also feed on Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. foliage and create unsightly webbing on the plant. To manage webworms, physically remove the caterpillars and any affected leaves.
By implementing these management strategies, gardeners can help keep their Lathyrus littoralis (Nutt.) Endl. plants healthy and thriving.
