Lathyrus littoralis, commonly known as Silky Beach Pea, is a perennial herb that is native to the coastal strand and dune ecosystems of western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. This plant typically thrives in sandy soils and is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of its native habitat, including salt spray and nutrient-poor soils. It grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) with a similar spread. The Silky Beach Pea has distinctive hairy gray-green stems and woolly pinnate leaves that help it conserve moisture. From late spring to early summer, it produces dense inflorescences of showy, bicolored flowers with dark-veined deep pink and white petals, followed by oval-shaped, hairy legume pods that dehisce to release seeds.

The Silky Beach Pea is valued for its ability to stabilize sandy soils with its root system, making it an excellent choice for coastal restoration projects and gardeners looking to prevent erosion on dunes or slopes. It is also appreciated for its ornamental flowers, which can add color to seaside gardens. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils, tolerates drought once established, and prefers full sun exposure. While not commonly used in urban plantings, it can be a unique addition to naturalized areas or coastal-themed landscapes. There are no widely available cultivars, and it is generally grown from seed. Potential problems include root rot in poorly drained soils and susceptibility to pests such as aphids. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but care should be taken to prevent its spread into natural habitats where it is not native.CC BY-SA 4.0