Family: Fabaceae
[Cassia brachiata (Pollard) J.F.Macbr., more...]
Scott B. Sauer
Merel R. Black
Etymology: Chamaecrista: from Greek, meaning "low crest"
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-36" tall forb with fine hairs
Leaves: alternate, pinnately-divided into 5-18 pair of leaflets
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/2"-3/4" wide, petals mostly equal, 4 with red at the base and 10 very unequal stamens; inflorescence a 1"-6", leafy cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: flat, straight, pod readily opening when mature
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry; meadows, prairies, inland sands; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, annual, 4"-36" tall forb with fine hairs
Leaves: alternate, pinnately-divided into 5-18 pair of leaflets
Flowers: yellow, 5-parted, 1/2"-3/4" wide, petals mostly equal, 4 with red at the base and 10 very unequal stamens; inflorescence a 1"-6", leafy cluster (raceme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: flat, straight, pod readily opening when mature
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry; meadows, prairies, inland sands; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 3, Wetland Indicator = FACU- Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key
Merel R. Black
Merel R. Black
Botanical Illustration
Marci Hess
Jared Campbell
Emmet J. Judziewicz
Botanical Illustration
Aaron Carlson
Aaron Carlson
Richard Bauer
