Planting and Growing the Partridge Pea

Also known as the sleepingplant or sensitive plant, the Partridge pea is native to the United States. It is from the pea family of plants and is botanically known as Chamaecrista fasciculata or by its synonyms Cassia chamaecrista or Chamaecrista fasciculata var. fasciculata.

Patridge Pea Description

This annual has deciduous leaves and large flowers. It grows one to three feet high with slender stems. Leaves are yellow-green leaflets that fold when touched. Flowers are yellow, marked with red, and come prior to the narrow seed pods. Bloom season is between June and October.

Growing Guide

Plant the Partridge pea in full sun or partial shade with a well-drained soil. It can be dry or moist soil. Propagate by seed.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in meadows, prairies, plains, savannahs, and pastures.

Wildlife Attracted

Bees and other insects are attracted to the nectar while birds use the seeds as a food source. Other than bees and birds being attracted to the plant, butterflies also adore it. The Orange Sulphur and the Sleepy Orange are two butterflies that use the Partridge pea as a larval host plant.

Source: NPIN