SafePlants

Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

The Partridge Pea, scientifically known as Chamaecrista fasciculata, is a vibrant and ecologically valuable annual legume native to most of the eastern United States. Often admired for its bright yellow flowers and fern-like foliage, this plant plays a significant role in supporting wildlife and enriching gardens.

Common Names

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

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is considered toxic for grazing livestock.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves of "sensitive partridge pea" fold together when touched.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata
• Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae or Caesalpiniaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to most of the eastern United States.
• Found in tall grass prairies and disturbed sites.
• Occurs on soils with a wide range of pH values.

Ecological Role

• Provides valuable cover and food for upland game birds and waterfowl.
• Serves as a caterpillar food plant for a number of butterflies, including the Cloudless Sulphur.
• Acts as an excellent nectar plant, attracting bees (especially honeybees and bumblebees) and other pollinators.
• Seeds provide a winter food source for deer.
• Creates an insect habitat for turkeys.
• Used for wildlife food plots, erosion control, recreational area plantings, and roadside beautification.

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual plant that typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (approximately 0.5-1 meter), sometimes shorter (less than 24 inches).
• Slender-stemmed with pinnately-compound leaves bearing many small, yellow-green leaflets.
• Large, showy, bright yellow flowers, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, with 5 unequal petals and maroon stamens.

Quirky Facts

• The leaflets close and pull upward into a "sleeping position" at night or when touched, giving it the name "Sleeping Plant" or "Sensitive Plant."

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and even ants as pollinators.

Further Information

• USF Herbarium Specimen Database
• Dave's Garden: A community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.