Cassia fasciculata (Showy Partridge Pea)
Cassia fasciculata (Showy Partridge Pea) is a low-maintenance annual wildflower native to North America, recognized for its bright yellow flowers with red or purple spots and fern-like, sensitive leaves that fold when touched. Typically growing 1-3 feet tall, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soils such as prairies and meadows. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, attracting bees and butterflies, while also serving as a host plant for butterflies and food for birds. As a legume, it improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making it ideal for naturalized landscapes and pollinator gardens.
Key Characteristics:
Growth and Habitat:
Grows up to 1-3 feet tall.
Thrives in sunny locations with well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
It is commonly found in prairies, open fields, and along roadsides.
Flowers:
The plant produces yellow flowers with a red or purple spot near the center.
Blooming occurs from mid-summer to early fall, providing nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Leaves:
The leaves are sensitive and fold when touched, a characteristic typical of plants in the Cassia family.
They are also pinnate, giving the plant a delicate, fern-like appearance.
Ecological Role:
Showy Partridge Pea is an important host plant for certain butterfly species, including the cloudless sulphur butterfly.
It also helps in nitrogen fixation, improving soil health.
Wildlife Importance:
The plant produces seed pods that are eaten by wildlife such as quail and other ground-nesting birds, contributing to its name.
Medicinal Uses:
Historically, parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine for mild laxative effects and skin treatments.
Showy Partridge Pea is both ecologically beneficial and aesthetically pleasing, making it a valued species in conservation efforts and natural landscaping.
Botanical Name : Cassia fasciculata
Common Name : Showy Partridge Pea
Height : 1-3 ft
Spread : 4 ft
Germination Info : Annual Plant - Germ 10% with 75% hard seed. Seed requires a scarification prior to sowing to break down the hard seed coat.
Hardiness zone : 4-9
Average seed per ounce : Approx. 2,500