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sensitive partridge pea
Scientific Name: Chamaecrista nictitans ssp. patellaria
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Chamaecrista nictitans: Sensitive Partridge Pea
Chamaecrista nictitans, commonly known as sensitive partridge pea, small partridge pea, or wild sensitive plant, is a herbaceous legume species. It's recognized for its leaves that are often sensitive to touch, folding when disturbed.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant has pinnately-compound leaves, each made up of numerous leaflets.
- Some sources refer to it as a "weed," indicating it may be commonly found in gardens.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Chamaecrista nictitans
- Common Names: Sensitive partridge pea, sensitive pea, small partridge pea, wild sensitive plant, sleeping plant.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
- Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies
- Synonym: Cassia nictitans
- Note: The plant is also associated with the name Chamaecrista fasciculata, though they are distinct species.
Distribution and Habitat
The sensitive partridge pea is native to North America and has been found in damp ditches, such as the Jamaican TYPE specimen collected in 1786. It is common throughout some states and is often noticed along path edges.
Morphological Characteristics
- It is a slender-stemmed annual, typically growing up to 1 foot tall, though other Chamaecrista species can grow much larger as shrubs (2-10ft).
- The plant has pinnately-divided leaves, each composed of up to 20 leaflets.
- It features small, prominent yellow flowers.
- Stems are erect, slender, and may be glabrous (smooth) or minutely pubescent (slightly hairy).
Ecological Role
- The plant is a nitrogen-fixing annual, contributing to soil rebuilding.
- Chamaecrista fasciculata seeds provide food for various grassland birds such as quail, prairie chickens, pheasants, and ducks.
- It is a caterpillar food plant for a number of butterflies.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Leaves are sensitive to touch, folding together when disturbed by touch or even darkness/light.
- It serves as a food source for certain insects, specifically as a caterpillar food plant for butterflies.
Quirky Facts
- The leaves of the sensitive partridge pea close completely at night because they are sensitive to light, showcasing a unique adaptation.
- The leaflets fold together when touched due to their "sensitive" nature.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Wikimedia Commons hosts images, such as the "File:Chamaecrista nictitans - Sensitive Partridge Pea.jpg".