Partridge Pea

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Partridge Pea

  • ​Common Name: Partridge Pea
  • Scientific Name: Chamaecrista fasciculata
  • Family Name: Fabaceae
  • Origin: Eastern United States
  • Height: 1 to 3 ft
  • Width: 1 to 3 ft
  • Growth: Fast
  • Zone: USDA Zones 3 through 10
  • Light needs: Full sun
  • Salt tolerance: Tolerant of mild salt spray.
  • Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers average, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Tolerant of poor soil.
  • Moisture: Water regularly until established. Once established, this plant does not require regular watering.
  • Drought tolerance: High
  • Pests/Diseases: No major pests or diseases.
  • Growing conditions: This adaptable plant is tolerant of drought and poor soil and needs little care once established. Plant in full sun for best results. Partridge pea may become weedy and will readily self-seed, so keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overtake your garden.
  • Characteristics: This legume has reddish brown stems and even pinnately-compound leaves which grow alternately along the stem. The leaves fold up when touched and when it gets dark, hence the common names “sensitive plant” and “sleeping plant”. Flowers grow directly on the stem, one per node. These flowers are bright yellow and have five rounded petals. The fruits are green, pea-like pods. Since it’s a legume, the roots fix nitrogen and help improve the quality of the soil.
  • Propagation: By seed.
  • Wildlife: This plant is very ecologically important. Its fruits and seeds are an important food source for herbivorous mammals and birds, especially the bobwhite quail. It is also a larval host for many butterfly species, such as the cloudless sulphur, sleepy orange, and gray hairstreak, among others. The flowers are attractive to bees, and nectaries near the leaves attract ants, bees, and other insects.
  • Designer considerations: It is a must have for native and pollinator gardens due to its ecological importance. Because it spreads rapidly, it is best suited for meadows or other areas with plenty of space. It is very useful for erosion control.