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Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

Chamaecrista fasciculata, or Partridge Pea, is a fast-growing annual legume native to North America, featuring bright yellow flowers and nitrogen-fixing capabilities.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth.

Watering

Water regularly until established, then drought tolerant.

Soil

Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures during the growing season.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Does not require fertilization due to nitrogen-fixing ability.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun for best flowering and growth.

Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Water

Water regularly until established, then drought tolerant.

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.

Temperature

Thrives in warm temperatures during the growing season.

Ideal range is 18-27 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Does not require fertilization due to nitrogen-fixing ability.

Avoid over-fertilizing.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Foliage

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.3-1.2 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Pinnately compound

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Synonyms
Cassia brachiata (Pollard) J.F.Macbr.
Cassia castiglionia Collad.
Cassia chamaecrista L.
Cassia depressa Pollard
Cassia fasciculata Michx.
Cassia fisheri Cory
Cassia greenei Standl.
Cassia littoralis (Pollard) Cory
Cassia mississipiensis Pollard
Cassia parvifolia Wender.
Cassia pulchella Salisb.
Cassia triflora Jacq.
Cassia venosa Castigl. ex Zuccagni
Chamaecrista bellula Pollard
Chamaecrista brachiata Pollard
Chamaecrista camporum Greene
Chamaecrista depressa (Pollard) Greene
Chamaecrista ferrisiae Britton
Chamaecrista littoralis Pollard
Chamaecrista mississippiensis (Pollard) Pollard ex A.Heller
Chamaecrista puberula Greene
Chamaecrista robusta (Pollard) Pollard ex A.Heller
Chamaecrista rostrata Wooton & Standl.
Chamaecrista tracyi Pollard
Grimaldia chamaecrista (L.) Schrank ex Link
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderFabales
  • familyFabaceae
  • genusChamaecrista
  • speciesChamaecrista fasciculata
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water new plants regularly to establish roots. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Pruning is typically not necessary. Deadheading can encourage reblooming, but it is an annual and will naturally complete its life cycle.

Easily grown from seed sown directly outdoors in spring after the last frost. Scarification or soaking seeds can improve germination rates.

Not applicable as it is an annual plant grown from seed and typically not transplanted from pots.

FAQs

How do I plant Partridge Pea seeds?

Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost. Prepare a well-drained seedbed and sow seeds about 1-2 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.

Does Partridge Pea attract pollinators?

Yes, Partridge Pea is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects due to its abundant nectar and pollen production.

Can Partridge Pea grow in poor soil?

Yes, Chamaecrista fasciculata is very adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor, sandy, or dry soils. It is also a nitrogen-fixer.

When does Partridge Pea bloom?

Partridge Pea typically blooms from mid-summer through fall, providing a continuous display of bright yellow flowers.

Is Partridge Pea toxic to dogs or cats?

No, Chamaecrista fasciculata is not considered toxic to pets or humans. It is safe to grow in gardens frequented by animals.