Scientific Name
Cassia fasciculata (Chamaecrista fasciculata)
Common Name
Partridge pea

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Fabaceae
Plant Description
Branched, annual herb; leaves alternate, pinnately divided, with a conspicuous saucer-shaped gland at the base of the leaf stalk; leaflets of 5-20 pairs; stipules persistent, striated; flowers yellow, 5-parted; fruit a flat pod.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Roadsides and disturbed fields.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in open woods and woodland borders; weedy in disturbed areas along roadsides; landscape as native, herbaceous or woody ornamental flowering shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Seeds.
Symptoms
Diarrhea after ingestion of many seeds.
Toxic Principle
Anthraquinones.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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