Partridge Pea

(Chamaecrista fasciculata)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata [Michx.] Greene)

Identification: Flowers large with 5 broad, yellow petals of unequal size and shape. Base of petals spotted with red. Stamens 10, elongate and hanging. Sepals elongate, narrow, and pointed, showing between the petals. Leaves divided into 6 to 15 closely packed, small leaflets. Each leaflet tipped with a small bristle. A small gland present at the base of each leaf. Leaflets sometimes sensitive to touch. Plant 1 to 2 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of eastern North America and the central United States.

Habitat: Patridge Pea is found on sandy soil, usually in disturbed habitats.

Flowering period: July to September.

Similar Species:  The flowers of Wild Sensitive Plant are much smaller.

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