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Stone, Robert L.
Chamaecrista nictitans (L.) Moench
Partridge-pea, Sensitive partridge pea, Sensitive pea
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonyms: Chamaecrista nictitans var. nictitans, Cassia nictitans
USDA Symbol: chni2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Partridge-pea or sensitive pea is a slender-stemmed annual, up to 1 ft. tall, with pinnately-compound leaves. Each leaf is made up of numerous small, yellow-green leaflets which fold together when touched. The small, yellow flowers hang from short, axillary pedicels.
Like other members of the pea family, this plant requires the presence of microorganisms that inhabit nodules on the plants root system and produce nitrogen compounds necessary for the plants survival.
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Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , AZ , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , HI , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVNative Distribution: VT to extreme s.e. KS, s. to FL & TX
Native Habitat: Open woods; prairies; thickets; wet or dry shores
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), PR(N), VI(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Sandy soils.
Propagation
Description: Not AvailableSeed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native ground cover to replace grass in Florida.
February 04, 2008
Where can I find a list of ground covers to replace my grass. I live in the south of Ocala Florida.
view the full question and answer
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Chamaecrista nictitans in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Chamaecrista nictitans in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Chamaecrista nictitans
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
