Partridge Pea is a fast-growing annual wildflower in the legume family. It features delicate, fern-like foliage and bright yellow, five-petaled flowers with reddish centers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. This plant is a valuable addition to native gardens, prairies, and restoration projects due to its nitrogen-fixing ability and role in supporting pollinators and wildlife.
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Growth Habits & Characteristics:
•Height: 1–3 feet
•Spread: 1–2 feet
•Sun Requirements: Full sun
•Soil Preferences: Prefers sandy, well-drained soils; tolerant of poor and disturbed soils
•Lifespan: Annual (self-seeding)
•Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
•Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
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Host Insect:
Serves as a host plant for the IO moth, Cloudless Sulphur, and Gray Hairstreak, and several other species of butterflies & moths. 
Pollinator Importance:
•Attracts bees and other pollinators that rely on its nectar and pollen.
•Fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.
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Companion Plants:
•Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – Provides structural contrast and supports wildlife.
•Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Coreopsis) – Adds complementary yellow blooms in early summer.
•Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) – Enhances visual appeal and attracts pollinators.
•Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) – Provides additional nectar sources for butterflies.
•Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star) – Adds height and attracts pollinators.
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Ecological Importance:
•Host Plant for Butterflies: Essential for the reproduction of Cloudless Sulphur butterfly 
•Pollinator Support: A valuable nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
•Soil Enrichment: As a legume, it fixes nitrogen, improving soil fertility.
•Wildlife Habitat: Produces seeds that are a food source for quail, turkey, and other ground-feeding birds.
•Erosion Control: Thrives in disturbed areas and helps stabilize sandy or loose soils.