Partridge pea is an annual with cheery yellow flowers that spreads readily by seed. It’s a popular plant with bees, butterflies, and birds and a larval host for 3 species of butterflies. The leaves close up in the afternoon and when touched, so it is also known as sensitive plant.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full sun

Water requirements: Low-medium

Soil requirements: Dry-medium

Bloom time: June-September

Bloom color: Yellow

Height: 1-3 ft

Width: 1-3 ft

USDA Zone: 3-9

Larval host: Orange sulfur, sleepy orange, little yellow butterflies

Other notes: Like other members of the pea family, fixes nitrogen in the soil. Leaves close when touched, so it is also known as sensitive plant. An annual but readily self seeds. Seed pods provide food for song birds in the winter and flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Tolerates light shade. Grows better without competition. Resistant to erosion and drought.

Emily’s notes: I have found this plant very easy to grow from seed. They need scarification with sandpaper and 10 days of cold, moist stratification and seem to have a high rate of germination.

Do you have Partridge Pea growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!