wetland wildflower
Sensitive pea
Chamaecrista nictitans
1 of 2Native to much of the USA
Vermont to extreme southeastern Kansas, south to Florida and Texas
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jul–Aug Flowering time
- Height up to 1 ft to 0.3 m
- Life cycle Annual or perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland wildflower for full sun. At up to 1 ft, it tucks into rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Pollinators & wildlife
- Bees American Bumble Bee also Augochloropsis metallica, Augochloropsis anonyma
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Cloudless sulphurcaterpillar host
- Little yellowcaterpillar host
- Sleepy orangecaterpillar host
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Much of the USAUnited States (33): AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Vermont to extreme southeastern Kansas, south to Florida and TexasThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Sandy soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 1 ft (to 0.3 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- Annual or perennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jul–AugWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- YellowThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.