The multitudes of yellow blooms currently covering many sunny spots are likely to be partridge peas. Partridges, as quail were once known, benefit from the native plant, as do many other birds and insects.

The multitudes of yellow blooms currently covering many sunny spots are likely to be partridge peas. Partridges, as quail were once known, benefit from the native plant, as do many other birds and insects.

Big surprises, as the old saying goes, come is small packages. Depending on the circumstances, it may be an engagement ring, check or gift card, or a new car key.

As the official start of fall is barely a week away, the big surprise for many residents of Wakulla County (especially the new ones) is the relative lack of leaf color. To get the color riot of maples, hemlocks and others, a trip north a few hundred miles is required.

Still, there is autumnal color in the region as the hummingbirds depart and the seasonal defoliation begins. Local wildflowers add flecks and patches of color to the landscape as the days shorten.

Partridge pea, Cassia fasciculata, is reaching its peak color in North Florida.

Partridge peas typically grow in thick clusters with full sun exposure and are about 3 feet tall. They are covered by yellow blooms in the autumn’s waning days, serving as a seasonal multi-purpose snack for local wildlife.

Partridge peas are an excellent native nectar source for honeybees and other insects that dependent upon this energy source for their existence. In years gone, by beekeepers would move hives into close proximity to masses of this native plant.

The industrious honeybees compete for the nectar and use it to build honey reserves for over-wintering the hives. The heavy pollinator traffic assures the return of this annual plant in the spring of 2023.

Quail and turkey populations take advantage of the thick foliage and blooms, also. The height and density provide excellent camouflage, especially for young, inexperienced birds unaware of the many predators lurking nearby.

Through the action of honeybees and other pollinators, partridge peas are high-volume seed producers. The seed, which do not reach the soil under the thick mat of leaves and other organic matter, becomes a food source for the avian population.

Partridge peas are also a plentiful food source for caterpillars. The tender tantalizing leaves are easy picking for the late season insects, which will return the courtesy and serve as pollinators in the future.

Human use of the Partridge Pea has varied over the years. It has had multiple uses in folk medicine preparations, primarily the leaves being used as a naturally occurring laxative. Given the toxic qualities of the plant, the cure was likely worse than the disease.

Livestock producers, as a group, work to minimize partridge peas in grazing areas because of its potential toxicity to cattle. Since any bird passing by may drop a seed, the effort is an ongoing project for herdsmen.

Partridge pea plants have been uses for erosion control. The quick growing plants with a thick root mat and the ability to flourish on marginal soils make them a natural choice for this important application.

Nature preserves and hunting clubs now purchase partridge pea seeds in an effort to establish an attractive habitat for game bird populations.

While it is true hurricane and tropical storms can spread partridge pea seed, it is much better for the county’s human residents to let the wildlife distribute this under-appreciated annual.

To learn more about this beneficial annual in Wakulla County, contact your UF/IFAS Wakulla Extension Office at 850-926-3931 or http://wakulla .ifas.ufl.edu/.

To read more stories by Les Harrison visit outdoorauthor.com and follow us on Facebook.

To read more stories by Les Harrison visit outdoorauthor.com and follow us on Facebook.

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