Partridge Pea

(Chamaecrista fasciculata)

Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Chamaecrista fasciculata, commonly known as Partridge Pea, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including prairies, open woodlands, and fields throughout the Eastern and Central United States. It typically grows to about 0.5 meters tall and 0.5 meters wide. The plant has compound leaves with small leaflets that fold together at night or in response to touch (nyctinasty). The bright yellow, showy flowers, about 1 inch across, are borne in clusters of 2 to 4 on the stem and bloom prolifically from early summer until the first frost, with continuous flowering if moisture is adequate. Flowers are most abundant from July to September and attract long-tongued bees, which are the primary pollinators.

The Partridge Pea is valued for its ability to quickly colonize disturbed sites, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration. Its vibrant flowers and ease of growth also make it a popular choice for wildflower gardens, meadows, and as a cover crop in agricultural settings. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should note that while the plant is not typically prone to diseases, it can self-seed aggressively in optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to prairies, open woodlands, and fields throughout the Eastern and Central United States

Other Names

Common Names: Golden Cassia, Sensitive Plant, Showy Partridge-Pea, Prairie-Senna, Partridge-Pea, Prairie Senna, Sensitive Pea, Showy Partridge Pea, Sleepingplant, Sleeping Plant, Locust Weed

Scientific Names: , Chamaecrista fasciculata, Cassia fasciculata, Cassia chamaecrista, Chamaecrista fasciculata var. macrosperma, Cassia brachiata, Cassia fasciculata var. robusta, Chamaecrista fasciculata var. robusta, Chamaecrista brachiata, Chamaecrista camporum

GBIF Accepted Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene