Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge Pea)

A fast, inexpensive, nitrogen-fixing cover species for new meadow plantings, partridge pea does double duty as a genuine pollinator magnet - its extrafloral nectaries recruit ants and wasps as bodyguards against caterpillar predation, while its pollen-only flowers are a favorite of buzz-pollinating bumblebees.

Species Overview

Chamaecrista fasciculata, commonly known as Partridge Pea, is a fast-growing annual wildflower native to prairies, roadsides, and sandy soils across North America. It features bright yellow, pea-like flowers with reddish spots at the base of the petals, blooming from mid-summer to early fall. Its fern-like, pinnate leaves are sensitive to touch and fold up when disturbed. As a legume, it fixes nitrogen and enriches the soil.

Application

• Cover crop and nurse species for new meadow and rain garden plantings
• Erosion control on disturbed, sandy, or low-fertility soils
• Pollinator habitat - particularly valuable for buzz-pollinating bumblebees and carpenter bees
• Larval host habitat for Little Yellow, Sleepy Orange, and Orange Sulphur butterflies
• Game bird and songbird habitat - seed pods are an important winter food source

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Dry to medium moisture; favors somewhat poor soils due to reduced competition
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Flood Tolerance: Low - A dry-mesic prairie and disturbed-site annual; not tolerant of standing water.
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Plant Type: Forb (annual)
• Mature Height: 2-4 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Yellow; June-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland)
• Native Range: Eastern, central, and southeastern United States
• Hydrology: Dry-Mesic
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Upright
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Self-seeds readily - will persist and spread in favorable conditions without replanting.

Please allow 3 business days for all seed orders.