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Mimosa Tree

The Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin) is commonly called the silk tree or just mimosa. It is a nitrogen fixing legume, forming a symbiotic relationship with a bacterium in its roots. These bacteria form nodules on Mimosa roots and provide nitrogen (nitrogen fertilizer) to the tree.  The Mimosa is native to the Middle East and Asia and was first grown in the United States in 1785.


The Mimosa can grow 1’-3’ annually with regular water eventually reaching 20’-25’ tall and 25’-30’ wide. It generally grows with a spreading canopy that provides cooling shade over a wide area.


The Mimosa Tree has fernlike leaves that are attached to stems alternately. Each leaf consists of groups of smaller leaflets.


Mimosa leaves close slowly as darkness approaches and stay closed during the night.


Mimosa flowers are produced in abundant clusters covering the tree through early summer.  Its showy flowers attract hummingbirds as well as bees and butterflies.


Individual flowers have no petals but consist of long silky stamens.


Seeds are produced in long flat brown pods.

Mimosa trees are grown for shade, their fernlike leaves, and silky pink flowers. Mimosa Trees are best grown with low to regular water on a well-drained soil. Mimosa trees are  Hardy to USDA
Zone 6.

Contact Trees That Please Nursery for more information and pricing.

Experience the beauty and shade of the Mimosa Tree by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDfMk8-njJ8&feature=plcp


Photos & Narrative By:
Stephen Sain
Staff Plant Physiologist

Comments

The Backyard Gardener said…
Albizia Julibrissin trees are fantastic. Lovely photos!
October 18, 2014 at 4:00 PM
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