It has small yellow flowers on reddish stalks, with reddish-brown centers. Its long leaves are made up many compound leaflets. Once we met, I began seeing it everywhere.
Pea partridge can grow in thick clusters, providing superior cover for birds and other wildlife, which can move easily through these stands. Such ease of movement is not possible through stands of similar but invasive plant species.
Pea partridge is a plant we can be really happy about. It is pleasing to the eye, and good for the soil. It is important in honey production, and as a food source and egg depository for butterflies such as the common sulphur. It is also eminently useful to larger wildlife.
The pea pods ripen by late fall. They eventually burst, and there small black seeds are dispersed. The cool thing about these seeds is that they are highly waterproof, helping them to last well through the winter months. Not only do they winter well, but they are high in protein and low in fiber, making them easily digestible - perfect for bobwhites and other game birds.
Hyperion asked if the pea in the pea partridge was edible. No, it isn't - not for humans. It has been used in medicinal preparations, however. Wildlife can eat it, but domestic livestock should not. So bottom line - don't eat it!
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