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slender sensitive pea

Scientific Name: Chamaecrista serpens var. serpens

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Partridge Pea and Sensitive Peas (Chamaecrista spp.)

This page provides information about various plants referred to as "Partridge Pea" or "Sensitive Pea," primarily focusing on species within the genus Chamaecrista. Several species and related plants are discussed, highlighting their characteristics and potential interactions.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some varieties have slender stems and are climbing, and might be attractive for pets to play with or ingest.
  • Some species have leaflets which are sensitive to touch.

Considerations for Children

  • Some varieties have leaflets which are sensitive to touch.

Common Names

  • Partridge-pea
  • Sensitive Pea
  • Sleeping Plant
  • Showy Partridge Pea
  • Prairie Senna
  • Golden Cassia
  • Wild Sensitive Plant

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Chamaecrista (L.) Moench
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Species mentioned:
    • Chamaecrista nictitans (Wild Sensitive Plant)
    • Chamaecrista nictitans serpens
    • Chamaecrista symonii
    • Chamaecrista viscosa_major
    • Chamaecrista calycioides (Woodland Sensitive Pea)
    • Chamaecrista pilosa (Hairy Sensitive Pea)
    • Chamaecrista serpens (Slender Sensitive Pea)
    • Chamaecrista fasciculata
  • Synonyms and related names mentioned:
    • Daviesia leptophylla (Slender Bitter Pea)
    • Oxytropis monticola (Slender Crazyweed)
    • Lespedeza virginica (Slender Lespedeza)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
  • Found in various habitats, including gardens and disturbed areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual wildflowers, generally growing to about 6 to 12 inches tall.
  • Some species are slender-stemmed and can be bushy or climbing.
  • Leaves are pinnately compound, made up of numerous leaflets.
  • Stems can be light green initially, becoming reddish.
  • Some varieties have leaflets which are sensitive to touch and fold together when touched.
  • Flowers are typically yellow with 5 petals, growing on slender stalks.
  • The 10 stamens are long and slender, deep maroon colored.
  • Produces bean-like pods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Flowers of the showy partridge pea do not offer nectar.
  • Associated with the Little Yellow (Pyrisitia lisa) butterfly.
  • Pea plants can be susceptible to pests like aphids and thrips.

Quirky Facts

  • The leaflets of some Partridge Pea species are "sensitive" because they fold together when touched.