Because of the great variety of leaf shapes and sizes, it is usually desirable to have the flower for conclusive identification of seashore plants. As an aid, the following species are listed by color. _White Flowers_ [Illustration: Blunt-leaved Sandwort] Blunt-leaved Sandwort (_Arenaria lateriflora_) Very thin stem and leaves Flowers ¼″ wide This very attractive flower is seldom found at any distance from water’s edge. Usually it grows in the moist sand of fresh-water pools, just above water level. On close examination you will find the leaves quite hairy, almost downy. The flowers are mounted at the tips of long stalks. They appear early in the spring, about May, and blooming is over by June. [Illustration: Sea Milkwort] Sea Milkwort (_Glaux maritima_) Flowers are very small, at base of leaf Thick central stalk Leaves small, fleshy, and crowded This is one of the most common beach plants, and is seldom found away from salty soil. It grows in the salt marshes and on the beach, starting its flowering in June and continuing throughout the summer. _Red or Purple Flowers_ [Illustration: Beach Pea] Beach Pea (_Lathyrus japonicus_) Flowers are in clusters Branches end in twining tendrils Leaflets small, toothless, and numerous Anyone who has seen a garden pea will recognize the Beach Pea, which is similar to but smaller than its cousin. The purple flowers are seen from May throughout the summer, and the peas are found in late summer. These peas are edible, though not particularly delicious. You will notice that Beach Pea stems are angular in cross section—a further clue to identification. [Illustration: Beach Pinweed] Beach Pinweed (_Lechea maritima_) Fruit very tiny, berry-like Leaves tiny and narrow Pinweed is a plant of sandy soils. Often it is found growing alone on a patch of barren sand. It flowers throughout July and August. Its stem is so very woody and tough that it may easily be mistaken for a tiny, stunted tree. [Illustration: Sea Lavender] Sea Lavender (_Limonium nashii_) Large leaves, grow only from base of plant Flowers numerous, small, on long stalks The Sea Lavender goes by a great variety of names: “Beach Heather” and “Marsh Rosemary” are the most common. It is not a true dune dweller, for it is more often found in marshy spots; but it is a typical seaside plant. Its flowers are delicately fragrant. Amazingly enough, you may find Sea Lavender completely submerged in salt water during periods of high tide. _Yellow Flowers_ [Illustration: Woolly Hudsonia] Woolly Hudsonia (_Hudsonia tomentosa_) Tiny scale-like leaves Very woolly, hairy Almost mosslike appearance