Southern Mimosa Flower

Southern mimosa flowers are clusters of tiny blossoms.

The Southern mimosa flower (Albizia julibrissin) or silk tree is a fast-growing deciduous tree reaching 35 feet tall. Southern mimosa flower trees grow more than 3 feet a year. The showy flowers appear on the trees in mid to late summer.

Identification

Southern mimosa flower clusters look like puffs of silk. The tiny blossoms are thread-like and light to deep pink in color. These fragrant blooms cover the tree's umbrella-like canopy. The flowers are followed by the development of 5 to 7 inch long seedpods.

Trivia

The leaves of the Southern mimosa flower are 12 inches long and made up of small leaflets. These leaflets fold up at night, releasing the heat trapped under the canopy.

Geography

The Southern mimosa flower tree is native to Asia, Africa and Australia. By the 18th century, this ornamental tree made it into the landscapes of Europe and North America.

Function

Southern mimosa flowers are used as shade trees, beautiful showcase trees and lawn trees. The shade under the canopy is light. so grass grows beneath this tree.

Warning

This decorative tree is considered an exotic pest in certain states. It escaped cultivation to grow and reproduce in favorable climates.

References

• Floridata: Albizia julibrissin
• North Carolina State University: Trees: Albizia julibrissin
• Virginia Tech: Mimosa