Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Partridge Pea typically grows as an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of about 1 to 3 feet tall.
•Phenology: Annual or short-lived perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
•Life Cycle: Annual or short-lived perennial
•Bloom Season: Summer to fall
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
•Soil Texture: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerant of poor, dry soils
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5)
•Moisture Requirements: Tolerant of drought once established; prefers well-drained soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Native plant gardens, meadows, prairies, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; may self-seed in favorable conditions; deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming
•Considerations: Partridge Pea is highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, Partridge Pea seeds are valued as food for wildlife, including game birds such as quail.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used by Native American tribes for various medicinal purposes, although specific uses may vary.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Partridge Pea is often found growing alongside other native plants in open, sunny habitats, including species such as Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa).
•Wildlife Benefit: The Partridge Pea is a powerhouse for wildlife. It hosts over six butterfly larva, many native bee species and supports birds with its seeds, including native Bobwhite Quail.