Taxon: Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene

Summary

Genus:

Chamaecrista

Family:

Fabaceae (alt. Leguminosae)

Subfamily:

Caesalpinioideae

Tribe:

Cassieae

Subtribe:

Cassiinae

Nomen number:

100081

Place of publication:

Pittonia 3:242. 1897 "fascicularis"

Protologue link:

https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/15254057

Verified:

02/18/1988 ARS Systematic Botanists.

Accessions:

59 (46 active, 32 available) in National Plant Germplasm System. (Map it)

Other conspecific taxa

Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene var. fasciculata (2 active accession[s])
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene var. macrosperma (Fernald) C. F. Reed (0 active accession[s])

Autonyms (not in current use), synonyms and invalid designations

Heterotypic Synonym(s)
Cassia chamaecrista L.
Cassia chamaecrista L. var. chamaecrista
Cassia chamaecrista L. var. robusta Pollard
Cassia robusta (Pollard) Pollard
Chamaecrista robusta (Pollard) Pollard ex A. Heller

No images

Links

Forestry Images – from www.forestryimages.org
Forestry Images – from www.forestryimages.org
Seeds or fruits – Seed ID Workshop image, from Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Ohio State University

Conservation Status

Reference(s)

Abdala-Roberts, L. & R. J. Marquis. 2007. Test of local adaptation to biotic and soil abiotic conditions in the ant-tended Chamaecrista fasiculata (Fabaceae). Oecologia 154:315-326. DOI: 10.1007/s00442-007-0831-y. Note: experiments in three sites in Missouri
Bueno, E. et al. 2019. Genetic diversity of Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae) from the USDA germplasm collection. B. M. C. Res. Notes 12:117. DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4152-0.
Englert, J. M. et al. 1999. USDA-NRCS Improved conservation plant materials released by NRCS and cooperators
Graham, E. H. 1941. Legumes for erosion control and wildlife. USDA Misc. Publ. 412.
Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
Kartesz, J. T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland.
Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. Hortus third. A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada
McGregor, R. L. et al. (The Great Plains Flora Association). 1986. Flora of the Great Plains. Note: = Cassia chamaecrista L.
Rushing, N. 2024. Benefits of assisted gene flow diminish with latitudinal distance between populations in Chamaecrista fasciculata. Restorat. Ecol. 32:e14058. DOI: 10.1111/rec.14058.
Singer, S. R. et al. 2009. Venturing beyond beans and peas: What can we learn from Chamaecrista. Pl. Physiol. (Lancaster) 151:1041-1047. DOI: 10.1104/pp.109.144774.
Voss, E. 1972-. Michigan flora. Note: = Cassia chamaecrista L.
Wherry, E. T. et al. 1979. Atlas of the flora of Pennsylvania.
Wofford, B. E. Database of Tennessee vascular plants (on-line resource).
1961. Webster's third new international dictionary. Note: = Cassia fasciculata

Common names

Language	Name	note	seq	Citation
English	golden cassia		1	Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. Hortus third. A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada
English	partridge-pea		1	Voss, E. 1972-. Michigan flora. Note: = Cassia chamaecrista L.
English	prairie-senna		1	Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. Hortus third. A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada
English	sensitive-pea	as Cassia fasciculata	1	1961. Webster's third new international dictionary. Note: = Cassia fasciculata
English	showy partridge-pea		1	Graham, E. H. 1941. Legumes for erosion control and wildlife. USDA Misc. Publ. 412.

Distribution

order_code	Status	Continent	Subcontinent	Country	State	Note	Reference
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Illinois		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Iowa		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Kansas		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Minnesota	s.	Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Missouri		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Oklahoma		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	South Dakota	s.e.	Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	North-Central U.S.A.	United States	Wisconsin		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Connecticut		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Indiana		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Massachusetts		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Michigan	s.	Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	New Jersey		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	New York		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Ohio		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Pennsylvania		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	Rhode Island		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Northeastern U.S.A.	United States	West Virginia		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	South-Central U.S.A.	United States	New Mexico	e.	Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	South-Central U.S.A.	United States	Texas		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Alabama		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Arkansas		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Delaware		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Florida		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Georgia		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Kentucky		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Louisiana		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Maryland		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Mississippi		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	North Carolina		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	South Carolina		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Tennessee		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
1	Native	Northern America	Southeastern U.S.A.	United States	Virginia		Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.
2	Cultivated					also cult.

Native
Northern America

NORTHEASTERN U.S.A.: United States [Connecticut, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan (s.), New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia]
NORTH-CENTRAL U.S.A.: United States [Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota (s.), Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota (s.e.), Wisconsin]
SOUTHEASTERN U.S.A.: United States [Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia]
SOUTH-CENTRAL U.S.A.: United States [New Mexico (e.), Texas]

Cultivated (also cult.)

Reference(s)

Irwin, H. S. & R. C. Barneby. 1982. The American Cassiinae: a synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35:802.

Economic Uses

Usage	Type	Note	Reference
Environmental	erosion control	for roadsides and recreational areas	Englert, J. M. et al. 1999. USDA-NRCS Improved conservation plant materials released by NRCS and cooperators
Environmental	revegetator	potential for prairie restoration	Rushing, N. 2024. Benefits of assisted gene flow diminish with latitudinal distance between populations in Chamaecrista fasciculata. Restorat. Ecol. 32:e14058. DOI: 10.1111/rec.14058.
Environmental	shade/shelter	for roadsides and recreational areas	Englert, J. M. et al. 1999. USDA-NRCS Improved conservation plant materials released by NRCS and cooperators
Fuels	biomass for energy generation	potential, for biogas	Bueno, E. et al. 2019. Genetic diversity of Chamaecrista fasciculata (Fabaceae) from the USDA germplasm collection. B. M. C. Res. Notes 12:117. DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4152-0.
Vertebrate poisons	mammals	to livestock, as Cassia fasciculata

Cite as: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System. 2026. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN Taxonomy). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
URL: https://npgstest.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=100081. Accessed 12 May 2026.