Golden Cassia, Partridge pea
Chamaecrista fasciculata
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Chamaecrista fasciculata is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Open woods and prairies, disturbed areas, often on sandy soils.
Eastern, Central and South-eastern N. America.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
Plants have an extensive root system and are used to stabilize soils. Grown as an ornamental or for honey production.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
How it is grown
Succeeds in most well-drained soils but prefers an open sandy loam in a sunny sheltered position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Succeeds in light shade, but the plant is much less vigorous when grown in dry shade. Young plants should be mulched each winter until they are well established. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Seed - scarify and then pre-soak the seed for 2 - 3 hours in warm water before sowing it from early spring to early summer in a warm greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 12 weeks at 23°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse. Do not plant them out until the following spring. Division as growth commences in spring. Cuttings of moderately ripe wood, July in a frame.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant is considered toxic for grazing animals.
Its other names
Local names
Golden Cassia, Partridge pea