Golden cassia (Chamaecrista fasciculata, Pittonia 3: 242 (1900))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Michx.) Greene

Bibliography: Pittonia 3: 242 (1900)

Year: 1900

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chamaecrista

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Golden cassia, scientifically known as Chamaecrista fasciculata, is a vibrant and captivating plant that graces the landscapes of central and eastern United States. A member of the Fabaceae family, this species is renowned for its striking yellow flowers and distinctive presence in various habitats.

Chamaecrista fasciculata, commonly referred to as Partridge Pea, thrives in sunny environments and can often be found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides. These plants are annuals, demonstrating their life cycle within a single growing season. By the late summer, they burst into bloom, presenting clusters of bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The leaves of Golden cassia are equally notable. They are pinnate with tiny leaflets that possess a sensitive quality, folding together when touched, a characteristic reminiscent of its legume relatives. This sensitivity is not merely a whimsical trait but serves as a defense mechanism against herbivory.

As cited in the authoritative publication “Pittonia” in 1900 by (Michx.) Greene, Chamaecrista fasciculata has been a subject of botanical interest for over a century. Its ability to adapt to various soil conditions—ranging from sandy to loamy textures—ensures its perseverance across diverse terrains. Additionally, its role as a nitrogen-fixer enriches the soil, making it a beneficial companion plant in agriculture and restoration projects.

Due to its historical and ecological significance, Golden cassia is not only an aesthetic addition to natural and cultivated landscapes but also a vital component in supporting biodiversity and soil health. Whether observed in the wild or integrated into a garden, Chamaecrista fasciculata continues to dazzle and contribute positively to its environment.

Common Names

Eng: golden cassia, partridge pea, partridge-pea, prairie-senna, sensitive-pea, showy partridge-pea, showy partridgepea, sleepingplant, showy partridge pea, prairie senna, sensitive pea
Fra: casse fasciculée
En: Golden cassia, Sensitive-pea, Showy partridge-pea, Prairie-senna, Partridge-pea, Partridge pea, Showy partridgepea, Sleepingplant, Showy partridge pea, Prairie senna, Sensitive pea
Fr: Casse fasciculée

Synonyms

• Chamaecrista tracyi (Pollard)
• Cassia venosa (Castigl. ex Zuccagni)
• Chamaecrista puberula (Greene)
• Chamaecrista fasciculata var. robusta ((Pollard) Moldenke)
• Cassia chamaecrista var. glandulosa (Kuntze)
• Chamaecrista robusta ((Pollard) Pollard ex A.Heller)
• Cassia fisheri (Cory)
• Cassia chamaecrista var. cinerea (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Cassia fasciculata var. brachiata ((Pollard) Pullen ex Isely)
• Cassia fasciculata var. puberula ((Greene) J.F.Macbr.)
• Cassia fasciculata f. jensenii (E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
• Chamaecrista rostrata (Wooton & Standl.)
• Cassia chamaecrista var. patellaria (Kuntze)
• Cassia chamaecrista var. nictitans (Kuntze)
• Chamaecrista brachiata (Pollard)
• Chamaecrista littoralis (Pollard)
• Chamaecrista fasciculata var. depressa ((Pollard) C.F.Reed)
• Chamaecrista chamaecrista ((L.) Britton)
• Cassia depressa (Pollard)
• Cassia mississipiensis (Pollard)
• Cassia fasciculata f. transmutata (Fernald)
• Cassia fasciculata var. rostrata ((Wooton & Standl.) B.L.Turner)
• Cassia chamaecrista (L.)
• Cassia brachiata ((Pollard) J.F.Macbr.)
• Grimaldia chamaecrista ((L.) Schrank ex Link)
• Chamaecrista ferrisiae (Britton)
• Cassia chamaecrista f. hirsuta (Kuntze)
• Cassia greenei (Standl.)
• Cassia littoralis ((Pollard) Cory)
• Cassia parvifolia (Wender.)
• Cassia fasciculata var. depressa ((Pollard) J.F.Macbr.)
• Cassia fasciculata (Michx.)
• Chamaecrista mississippiensis ((Pollard) Pollard ex A.Heller)
• Cassia fasciculata f. mutata (Fernald)
• Cassia fasciculata var. littoralis ((Pollard) J.F.Macbr.)
• Cassia fasciculata var. ferrisiae ((Britton) B.L.Turner)
• Cassia rostrata ((Wooton & Standl.) Tidestr.)
• Chamaecrista depressa ((Pollard) Greene)
• Cassia chamaecrista var. robusta (Pollard)
• Cassia chamaecrista f. pubicaulis (Kuntze)
• Chamaecrista camporum (Greene)
• Chamaecrista bellula (Pollard)
• Cassia fasciculata var. macrosperma (Fernald)
• Chamaecrista fasciculata var. macrosperma ((Fernald) C.F.Reed)
• Cassia castiglionia (Collad.)
• Cassia fasciculata var. tracyi ((Pollard) J.F.Macbr.)
• Cassia fasciculata var. robusta ((Pollard) J.F.Macbr.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Florida (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Rachel Czub (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Erin Coats (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by bridget marquez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2019 by Bob Arnold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by David Hinds (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 24, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2008 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Aaron Jenkins (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 27, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 27, 2020 by P J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Jesus José Onaldo de Jesus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Jesus José Onaldo de Jesus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 3, 2019 by Melissa Melissa Keneely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2020 by de souza Dayane Luciene (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2949728)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54500-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5