Contents
Description
Chamaecrista Deeringiana, also known as Deering’s sensitive pea, is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to Florida and is found in wet prairies, pine rocklands, and savannas. The plant is named in honor of Charles Deering, an American businessman and art collector who played a crucial role in the establishment of the Deering Estate at Cutler, Florida.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Chamaecrista |
Appearance
Chamaecrista Deeringiana grows up to 2 feet in height and has a spread of 1-2 feet. The plant has a unique growth habit where it forms a rosette of leaves at the base of the stem. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with 10-20 pairs of leaflets that are less than 1 inch in length. The plant produces small, bright yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom from June to August and are followed by small seed pods that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Chamaecrista Deeringiana prefers moist soil and can tolerate occasional flooding. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year to promote growth.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. Sunlight: Chamaecrista Deeringiana prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chamaecrista Deeringiana is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can occasionally be attacked by spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Chamaecrista Deeringiana is native to Florida and can be found in wet prairies, pine rocklands, and savannas. The plant prefers moist soil and is often found growing in areas that are prone to occasional flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Chamaecrista Deeringiana easy to grow?
A: Yes, the plant is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.Q: Can Chamaecrista Deeringiana tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, the plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Q: Does Chamaecrista Deeringiana require frequent fertilization?
A: No, the plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year to promote growth.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Chamaecrista Deeringiana?
A: The plant can be attacked by spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Related Plants
- Chamaecrista fasciculata
- Chamaecrista nictitans
- Chamaecrista rotundifolia
- Chamaecrista sepiaria
References
- “Chamaecrista deeringiana (Small) Irwin & Barneby.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 27 September 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:49777-2
- Gilman, Edward F. “Chamaecrista deeringiana Deering’s Sensitive Pea.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/fp640
- Rhoads, Ann F., and Timothy A. Block. The Plants of Pennsylvania: An Illustrated Manual. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2007.
