This native member of the pea family is fairly abundant in wet thickets and low lying areas of the bay side on Cape Cod. If you take a bike ride through the coastal areas of Yarmouth and Barnstable you will see the pink and blue hues of Lathyrus palustris.
The seeds are edible – you can shell and cook them like you would ordinary peas. However, while no record of toxicity have been found the seed contains an amino acid that can cause a severe disease of the nervous system, but only if eaten in large quantities. So, for you and me the usual amount would provide nutritious sustenance, but over-eaters like Joey Chestnut are advised to stay away from this legume.
marsh pea Barnstable July 3 2011
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