partridge pea

noun

a North American plant, Cassia fasciculata, of the legume family, having yellow flowers and feathery compound leaves that fold shut when touched.

Origin of partridge pea

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; probably so called because its fruit provides food for partridges

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018