Plant of the Month: June, 1999

by Russell Stevens

Partridge pea
Cassia fasciculata

Characteristics: Partridge pea is a native, warm season, annual legume common on sandy loam soils. It sometimes grows in dense stands on old fields or other disturbed areas but can occur in open woods. It can also be found as scattered plants where native or introduced grass stands are open enough to allow it to express itself. Partridge pea grows upright and has bright yellow flowers throughout the summer. When ripe the seedpods burst open, allowing the seeds to spread several feet from the plant.

Area of Importance: Westcentral Oklahoma and Texas, eastward.

Attributes: Livestock, whitetailed deer, turkey and quail browse partridge pea. Quail and other birds relish the seeds. Burning in late winter may increase partridge pea.

I.D. Tip: Look for bright yellow flowers from June through October. partridge pea branches when mature and may reach four feet in height. The leaves are alternate with eight to fifteen pairs of leaflets. Partridge pea is often confused with a similar plant, Sensitive pea, Cassia nictitans. However, Sensitive pea is generally shorter in stature, usually only reaching 1.5 feet in height. Also, sensitive pea leaflets close together when disturbed or handled, hence its common name. Livestock and wildlife use both.

Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.