Pea or Bean Family (INN) Rank 3 This non-native wildflower would have been considered a "weed" by the folks whose garden it had invaded! It is easy to identify once the long fruits start to develop. This was found in late August in Oak Ridge. There is another wildflower called Sicklepod (Arabis canadensis), it is in the Mustard Family. This is why scientific names are so important! Annual Perennial Where seen: Oak Ridge {Formerly known as: Cassia obtusifolia}
Pea Family This flower is in the Pea Family. I found it blooming in Oak Ridge along the Haw Ridge Greenway trail in mid-August. The plant can grow up to 7 feet tall. The leaves of this plant are used in comercial laxatives. Perennial Where seen: Oak Ridge, Great Smoky Mountains NP {Formerly known as: Cassia marilandica}
Pea Family This plant is a favorite with rabbits and deer. Biennial Where seen: Oak Ridge, widespread