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partridge pea

Scientific Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata var. fasciculata

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

The Partridge Pea, scientifically known as Chamaecrista fasciculata, is a captivating annual legume celebrated for its vibrant yellow flowers and ecological value.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is considered toxic for grazing animals.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaflets of *Chamaecrista nictitans* (sensitive partridge pea) fold together when touched, offering an interactive element that may be of interest to children.

Common Names

  • Partridge Pea
  • Sleeping Plant
  • Prairie Partridge Pea
  • Showy Partridge Pea
  • Prairie Senna
  • Dwarf Cassia
  • Partridge Pea Senna
  • Locust Weed
  • Golden Cassia
  • Sensitive Plant

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata
  • Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Leguminosae or Caesalpiniaceae)
  • Synonyms: Formerly classified as Cassia fasciculata. The text refers to both *Chamaecrista nictitans* and *Cassia fasciculata*.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to most of the eastern United States.
  • Found in tall grass prairies and disturbed sites.
  • Observed growing in north central Florida and other areas of Florida.
  • Occurs on soils with a wide range of pH values.

Ecological Role

  • Provides valuable cover and food for upland game birds and waterfowl.
  • Acts as a caterpillar food plant for a number of butterflies, including the Cloudless Sulphur.
  • Serves as an excellent nectar plant, attracting bees and other pollinators.
  • Used in wildlife food plots.
  • Can be utilized for erosion control, recreational area plantings, and roadside beautification.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual plant, typically growing to approximately 0.5 to 2.5 feet (24-30 inches) in height.
  • Slender-stemmed.
  • Pinnately-compound leaves with many small, yellow-green leaflets.
  • Leaflets close and pull upward into a sleeping position at night or when touched (in *Chamaecrista nictitans*).
  • Large yellow flowers, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, with 5 large, unequal petals and maroon stamens.
  • Flowers unfold from the leaf axils.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant is sometimes called the "Sleeping Plant" because its leaflets fold together at night.
  • The leaflets of *Chamaecrista nictitans* are also "sensitive" because the leaves fold together when touched with a finger.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Flowers are favorites of bees and other pollinators, including honeybees and bumblebees.
  • Attracts ants.
  • Used as a food source for doves and quail.
  • Partridge Peas provide winter food for deer and make a great insect habitat for turkeys.

Further Information

  • USF Herbarium Specimen Database
  • Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)