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| ## showy partridge pea {#showy-partridge-pea .Title-Header}           |
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| *Chamaecrista fasiculata* (Michx.) Greene                             |
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| Plant Symbol = CHFA2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program and the Manhattan
Plant Materials Center, Manhattan, Kansas

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.6458333333333335in"
height="3.520138888888889in"}

##### R. Alan Shadow, USDA NRCS East Texas Plant Materials Center {#r.-alan-shadow-usda-nrcs-east-texas-plant-materials-center .Header-3}

#####  {#section .Header-3}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

*Cassia chamaecrista* L., *C. fasiculata* Michx., sleeping plant,
prairie partridge pea, prairie senna, large-flowered sensitive-pea,
dwarf cassia, partridge pea senna, locust weed, golden cassia

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

*Wildlife*: This plant provides food for birds. The seed is one of the
major food items of northern bobwhite and quail because it remains in
sound condition throughout the winter and early spring.

*Erosion control*: The plant can be used along road banks and stream
banks to control erosion.

*Recreation and beautification*: The flowers of this plant can be used
to beautify areas where wildflowers are planted. Partridge pea is
commonly grown as an ornamental. The bright yellow flowers make it a
popular choice for use in native gardens.

*Livestock Caution*: *Although partridge pea foliage is nutritious, it
can be poisonous and should be considered potentially dangerous to
cattle.*

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Showy partridge pea \[*Chamaecrista fasciculata* (Michx.) Greene\] is an
annual erect legume plant that reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet. The
leaves consist of 10 to 16 pairs of small, narrow leaflets that are
somewhat delicate to the touch. The showy yellow flowers, about 1 inch
across, grow 2 to 4 together in clusters on the stem. Flowers normally
bloom July-September. The fruit is a straight, narrow pod 1½ to 2½
inches long, which splits along 2 sutures as it dries; the pod sides
spiral to expel the seeds some distance from the parent plant. The
highest seed production has been obtained under 30% shade, followed in
decreasing order by 55% shade, full sunlight, and dense shade.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

This plant grows on a wide range of soils that are slightly acid to
moderately alkaline. However, it grows best on moderately lime, well
drained soils. It is important to use an adapted strain to ensure that
successful reseeding will occur.

Showy partridge pea is distributed throughout the Midwestern and eastern
United States. For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant
Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Established stands should be disked lightly in the spring to expose
mineral soil on which the seed can germinate. Drill seeds at 1/4 to 3/4
inch deep at a rate of 10 lbs/ac pure live seed. If the seed is
broadcast, increase seeding rate and cover seed by lightly disking or by
cultipacking. Planting should be conducted late winter (March) to late
spring (May) while soil moisture is still high. Germination is improved
by scarification of the seed prior to planting. Seed should also be
inoculated with the correct species of *rhizobium* before planting.
Fertilizer should be applied at the recommended rate, based on soil
samples, at time of planting.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Partridge pea usually reseeds but will gradually disappear without
regular maintenance. Light disking to remove weeds, small brush, and old
sod is necessary for healthy plantings or natural stands. In areas where
prescribed burning is permitted, controlled fire is an excellent method
for controlling unwanted vegetation. Fire or disking should be done in
late winter for best results. Weeds can also be controlled during the
growing season by mowing over the top of the partridge pea.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

No pests reported at this time. Some sources report that this species
has invasive qualities. See the PLANTS Plant Profile for this species.
*Although partridge pea foliage is nutritious, it can be poisonous and
should be considered potentially dangerous to cattle.*

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

'Comanche' (TX), 'Riley' (KS), and Lark Selection (AR), Comanche
(cultivar) was released by the James E. 'Bud' Smith Plant Materials
Center (PMC), Knox City, Texas, Riley (cultivar) was released by the
Manhattan PMC, Manhattan, Kansas. Lark Selection is a selected class
release from the Jamie L. Whitten PMC, Coffeeville, Mississippi.

##### Prepared By:  {#prepared-by .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program and John M. Row, Plant Materials
Center, Manhattan, Kansas

##### Species Coordinator:

##### *Morris J. Houck*, USDA NRCS, Alexandria, Louisiana {#morris-j.-houck-usda-nrcs-alexandria-louisiana .Header-3}

##### Edited: 01Feb2002 JLK; 01jun06 jsp; 070820 jsp {#edited-01feb2002-jlk-01jun06-jsp-070820-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Conservation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*