partridge pea
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Cassia fasciculata
Habit
forb/herb
Leaves
All leaves are divided into two rows of 8 to 15 leaflet pairs that are arranged oppositely from one another (pinnately compound). Each leaflet is linear to oblong in outline, approximately to 1 inch long by 2 to 4 mm wide. All leaflets occur on a petiole and a distinctive gland occurs on the underside of the petiole below the first leaflet pair.
Identifying Characteristics
Showy yellow flowers and leaves that are divided into 8 to 15 pairs of oppositely arranged leaflets. Also, the gland that occurs on the petiole below the first leaflet pair helps to distinguish this weed from other weeds with pinnately compound leaves.
Flower Seed Head
Arise from the position between the petiole and the stem (leaf axils). Flowers consist of 5 bright yellow petals and have some red mottling. Flowers are approximately 1 inch wide and occur on long (10 to 25 mm) flower stalks (pedicels).
Seed Fruit
A legume that is linear in outline, approximately 1 to 3 inches long and 4 to 6 mm wide. Each legume contains 4 to 20 seed.
Where Found
Partridgepea may be found throughout the eastern half of the United States.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime,
nickle
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
pinnate
Leaf Stalk
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
square or multi-edged
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
summer annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb