Commonly known as the mimosa tree or silk tree, Albizia julibrissin is an attractive yet invasive tree that is threatening Florida's landscape.
Originally from China, the mimosa tree has been a popular landscape tree in Florida for many years because of its fragrant pink flowers and feathery, fern-like foliage. The delicate, puffy flowers bloom from late April to early July.
While these trees started out as landscape plants, they have escaped cultivation and have moved into natural areas where they compete with native vegetation. Mimosa trees will grow in a variety of soil types and take advantage of sunny areas, growing up to twenty-five feet tall. Mimosas produce large amounts of seed pods containing five or more small brown seeds which typically persist on the plant though the winter. Seeds, which can remain dormant for years, are normally dispersed in close proximity to the parent plant; however, they can be spread by water or wildlife. They can become a serious problem along rivers, where their seeds can be easily transported.
Due to its ability to grow and reproduce along roadways and disturbed areas, and its tendency to readily establish after escaping from cultivation, mimosa is considered an invasive plant and not recommended for any use by the IFAS Assessment.
Another drawback is mimosa wilt—a disease that is becoming a problem across the county and is responsible for killing many roadside trees. Infected trees will start out with paling, drooping leaves on a single branch. As the disease progresses, leaves will turn yellow and fall off the tree. The same thing will happen with the rest of the branches on the tree until the tree dies, usually within a year of the symptoms first being observed. While this disease has helped reduce the number of mimosas in Florida, this tree is still not recommended for planting in the landscape.
The best way to get rid of a mimosa tree is to cut it down at ground level. Mimosas are able to re-sprout after being cut back so keep an eye out for new growth. To control resprouting, you’ll either have to cut off new growth or use a herbicide on the stump. Seedlings can be pulled by hand, but make sure you get all the roots. Learn how to recognize this tree and take action to prevent its spread.
The flowers of the powderpuff tree look very similar to the mimosa's.
If you love the look of mimosa trees but want a non-invasive option, try planting sweet acacia or red bottlebrush. Sweet acacia, Acacia farnesiana, has a similar look to the invasive mimosas, sporting delicate foliage and yellow puffed flowers. Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) and dwarf powderpuff (Calliandra spp.) are two other plants that will give you delicate flowers that somewhat resemble those of the mimosa tree.
Also on Gardening Solutions
More from UF/IFAS
FAQs
Mimosa wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. perniciosum, a soil-borne fungus that invades trees through the root system. The fungus usually enters through wounds, although a weakened tree is often invaded directly.
Is mimosa wood good for anything? ›
Common Uses: Furniture, cabinetry, crafts, and turned objects.
What is a mimosa tree good for? ›
The Mayan people of Central America also revered the plant, and commonly used it for aiding trauma injuries and burns. Usually, for health applications, the bark of the tree is shaved and dried and used in tincture and capsule forms. The leaves of the plant can also be dried and used as a tea.
How to get mimosa to bloom? ›
Answer
- Mimosa trees need full sunlight. ...
- Mimosa trees need very acidic soil having a pH in the range of 4.6 to 5. ...
- Mimosa trees need moist, but well drained soil to thrive and blossom.
CONS: They're invasive. They die quickly and pop up in unwanted beds. They wilt and they harbor mimosa webworms. They form dense thickets that prevent other plants from growing.
What happens when you touch a mimosa tree? ›
The mimosa pudica is a sensitive old soul, and it likely evolved its touch-me-not traits to put off herbivores. The leaves of the 'touch-me-not' fold up and droop each evening before reopening at dawn. They also do this more rapidly if they are touched or shaken.
Can I burn mimosa tree? ›
At that time, the broken limbs can be repurposed as firewood. However, due to the typically weedy nature of mimosa trees, new shoots will likely sprout from the roots in the aftermath."
How long do mimosa trees last? ›
Short Lifespan: Mimosa Trees are relatively short-lived (often only 20-30 years), partly due to their disease susceptibility. Invasiveness: In some areas, the Mimosa Tree can be invasive, spreading through its prolific seed production and aggressive root system.
Are all mimosa trees edible? ›
Bees and butterflies like to hang around mimosa trees, which means that they'll be happy to set up in the garden and help pollinate other plants. Mimosa trees also have edible parts. The flowers can be used like vegetables, and the young leaves can be eaten as pot vegetables in soups and stews.
Should I remove mimosa tree? ›
Make sure to follow all label instructions. While this tree may be beautiful, it is also a highly invasive species capable of out-competing most native vegetation. Instead of the mimosa tree, consider planting native alternatives such as sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).
Beautiful mimosa trees are fast growers, provide lots of shade, and are easy to grow in a variety of conditions. Before planting, consider that they are messy trees that spread quickly and are invasive. Mimosa seedpods are toxic to dogs and livestock.2 Before planting, there are other options you may want to consider.
Do mimosa trees have deep roots? ›
In my experience, Mimosa trees are difficult to transplant although some sources indicate they transplant easily. The root system is very deep and very sparse -- and also very brittle.
Why not to plant mimosa? ›
Despite its beauty, mimosa is an invasive species that proliferates in many soil types. It multiplies much quicker than native plants, thereby inhibiting their growth with shade from its umbrella-like crown. It is a prolific spreader, producing long brown seed pods which prevail throughout winter.
Can you root a mimosa tree in water? ›
Mimosa trees can be easily propagated through cuttings; here's how to do it: Choose a 6-inch healthy stem in late spring and a branch that has not yet bloomed. Remove all but the top couple of leaves and dip the stem into the water and then into the rooting hormone.
Do mimosa trees need a lot of water? ›
Water – The drought-tolerant Mimosa Tree prefers at least an inch of water a week; however, it is able to withstand mild to moderate droughts with relative ease. Pruning – Pruning should occur in winter, while the tree is dormant only after it is established (3 years).
What does a diseased mimosa tree look like? ›
Initial symptoms of mimosa wilt appear as yellowing and wilting of the foliage on one or more branches. The affected foliage soon becomes brown and falls, followed shortly by death of the affected branches.
How do you revive a mimosa tree? ›
Near-continuous moist soil is mandatory for Mimosa situated in bright locations. Once the top quarter dries out, give the plant a good dose of lukewarm water, avoiding a pool of water to accumulate underneath.
How do you save a dying Mimosa plant? ›
Remove some of the affected leaves and increase waters slightly. Yellowing lower leaves (closest to soil) are a clear sign of over-watering, usually caused by too little light. Although they can do well in darker locations, the frequency of irrigations must be reduced to counteract the chance of root rot.
