Chamaecrista nictitans, the sensitive cassia, sensitive partridge pea, small partridge pea or wild sensitive plant, is a herbaceous species of legume widely distributed through the temperate and tropical Americas.[1] It is an annual plant capable of rapid plant movement—its leaflets fold together when touched.[2] However, a population at Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, Hawaii, was reported as not being sensitive to touch.[3]
It is similar to Chamaecrista fasciculata except that the leaves are generally smaller,[4] it is less robust, and the flowers are smaller and inconspicuous.[5]
Chamaecrista nictitans is undesirable as a forage or hay but can be used for both in subtropical areas.