Partridge Pea

Partridge Pea

Don Verser

Chamaecrista fasciculata

Alternate Names: Prairie senna, sensitive plant

Family: (Fabaceae) Pea

Habitat: Prairies

Height: 1-4 feet

Bloom Period: June - November

Description: Annual. Grows best in full sun. The small leaflets fold together when touched, giving the plant its name of sensitive plant.

Propagation Tips: Readily self seeds. Partridge pea thrives in disturbed areas.

The Wildlife Connection: Very attractive to bees and butterflies. Larval food source for the little sulphur, cloudless sulphur, and sleepy orange butterflies. The seed pods are eaten by many species of birds.