Partridge pea serves as a superb pollen source for bees and a nectar source for visitation by some butterflies. Hummingbirds visit occasionally for the nectar as well, and the seeds are eaten by songbirds, quail and wild turkeys. (Submitted photo)

Several years ago, while attending a native plant seminar, I was given a packet of partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) seeds by a vendor on display. At the time, I knew nothing about the plant but noticed that it was a pollen and nectar source for bees and butterflies as well as a native to the central and eastern United States.

Just beginning to learn the importance of native plants in the landscape, I sowed the seeds shortly thereafter. I acquired a unique and showy plant that I enjoy still — and hope that you will plant to enjoy as well.

Partridge pea begins to bloom in early to mid-July and continues into early autumn. It is a native annual that reseeds and germinates the following spring. It does well in practically any soil type and likes a full sun to half sun / half shade growing site. It is tolerant of heat and dry conditions making it low maintenance.

And there is no need for deadheading. That’s a plus.

It grows 2 to 3 feet tall, and each plant is about 18 inches wide and narrow. The lovely bright sunny yellow flowers are irregular in shape and about an inch in diameter forming on most of the length of the stems. The center stamens are burgundy red in color. The foliage is linear and oblong and appears almost fern like.

Partridge pea is in the legume family and, therefore, adds nitrogen to the soil.

The green seed pods are flat with a slight curve and approximately 2 1/2 inches long. Once the pods turn brown, the seeds are released and will scatter about. If these are in your more manicured beds, they are quite easy to control by pulling the following spring. Do this each spring to keep it where you want it. It can take over a space without human interference.

Partridge pea is a suitable candidate to consider in a naturalized area, slopped area, pollinator garden or native plants meadow.

Partridge pea has many benefits to wildlife. The flowers of partridge pea are a superb pollen source for bees as well as a nectar source for visitation by some butterflies. Hummingbirds visit occasionally for the nectar as well.

The seeds of partridge pea are eaten by songbirds, quail and wild turkeys. It is a host plant for silver-spotted skipper and little sulphur butterfly.

The most frequent visitor in my observation is the bumblebee and various other bees.

For further information go to https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu.