Partridge Pea (PA Ecotype)

Chamaecrista fasciculata

Origin: Eastern United States

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~550

Germination tested 1/2021: 47% (21% hard seed, 14% dormant seed)

Life cycle: Annual (self-seeding)

Partridge pea is a native legume with mimosa-like leaves and pretty yellow flowers followed by green pods. An established re-seeding stand will produce a thick mat of roots, so it's a great native option for soil stabilization. Considered an excellent honey plant, the flowers are rich in nectar and beloved by a range of native insects. The plant has been used medicinally as well, including as a stimulant, for endurance, against fainting spells, and to treat nausea. One source says that Seminole people used partridge pea as a bed for ripening persimmons! The seeds are one of the preferred foods of threatened native birds like bobwhite quail. Plants can grow to 2 feet tall. Enjoys medium to dry soil and full to partial sun.

Our seed was produced by our friends at Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, PA.

GROWING TIPS: Cold-moist stratify seeds 10 days and scarify (scrape or nick seeds). Alternatively, direct-seed in the fall.