Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) vs. Sensitive Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista nictitans)

These two species look similar, have wide ranges of overlap, and can sometimes occur in the same habitat. They are easily told apart by flowers, but can be challenging to tell apart otherwise. With magnification, they can be told apart by examining the petiolar glands. Chamaecrista fasciculata is often slightly larger and upright in habit, and ranges farther northwest, where it can be found in prairies. Chamaecrista nictitans ranges farther northeast as well as farther south.

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