Grow Native! Plant Indentification

Partridge pea

Name: Partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)
Distinguishing Characteristics: pinnately compound leaf divided into about 20 pairs of leaflets, with a single bristle at the tip of each leaflet, and a single gland at base of leaf stalk that attracts native species of ants.
Height: up to 2 feet
Blooms: June to October
Description: An annual plant with alternate leaves, there are one to six flowers on slender stalks that emerge at the axil of the leaf and stem. Each flower has five yellow petals, with three slightly smaller than the other two. There is a tinge of red at the base of each petal and 10 dark red stamens
Comments: Commonly found in disturbed areas, roadways, old fields, glades and dry prairies. Easy to establish from seed, it is often found in native wildflower mixes. It can be agressive in seedings. It is a good food source for wildlife and livestock and is the larval food source for cloudless sulphur butterflies.

Partridge pea Details (Click on the photo to see a larger image)
Seeds (scale is in 1/16 inch increments)	Seedling	Juvenile	Distinguishing Characteristic	Mature Plant

Photographs by Don Kurz