Frustration, thy name is partridge pea: this seemingly-innocent flower is my white whale, my nemesis, my kryptonite. Even after attempting to photograph it more times than I care to reveal, the only thing I know for sure about it is that it grows in a ditch.
Our relationship started well: I collected it along with a couple other specimens and took the long way home. The partridge pea had gone a little floppy by the time we made it into the studio but I did some test shots anyway – and what an interesting plant! Neat pinnate leaves and very delicate yellow blossoms with coffee-brown centers. I was sold, and ready to take another crack at it!
Second attempt: after getting home late from work, I found a patch of partridge pea just a little way down my road, cut a few branches and dashed straight home. When I got it in front of the camera and took a minute to really look at it, though, it dawned on me that those cool pinnate leaves had folded up, like a book. What the heck? Does it do that every evening?
Third attempt: waited until the weekend so I could cut them mid-day. Unfortunately, I was short on time and after a quick shoot I had to rush out the door. Little did I know that I had dashed out on the only cooperative picking of partridge pea I was going to get.
Forth attempt: The sprigs I picked were dusty – we’d had a long dry spell and the road’s gravel dust had accumulated so thickly that you could see the marks of my fingers where I had touched the plants and brushed the dust off. Into the shower we went for a quick rinse and then back in the vase … but not fast enough, because after maybe 10 snaps of my shutter, the leaves folded up. So does it not like to be touched? Or bathed? Is it just shy?
I tried another day: too windy, the leaves folded up before I even got the cuttings in my car. And tried again: the blooms wilted for no visible reason. And tried one more time: I swear partridge pea gave me the stinkeye and collapsed before I even cut it. Checkmate. I gave up on partridge pea.
So here’s the best shot I captured, a product of the third attempt. Gaze upon it and ponder whichever of its charms it chooses to share with you but don’t ask too many questions. Partridge pea holds its secrets close.
Partridge Pea, Chamaecrista fasciculate
Shoot date: August 4, 2019
Possible use as a cut flower: Beats me. Try it for yourself and report back – maybe partridge pea will be more cooperative with someone else!
