Roundleaf Sensitive Pea
Chamaecrista rotundifolia
- Native to:
- Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela
iNaturalist: © yongzhe (iNaturalist #208414591)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Chamaecrista
- Species:
- Chamaecrista rotundifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- CHRO3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, disturbed areas; tolerates poor soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 10–30 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarify seed coat (nick or hot water) to break physical dormancy; warm stratification may improve germination.