Albizia julibrissin Durazz.

Silktree; Mimosa

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Mimosa is an introduced invasive deciduous tree in the Bean family (Fabaceae). It is native to Asia but can be found in all parts of Alabama. Mimosa occurs in urban woodlands, along streams, in disturbed forests, around old home sites, and along roads. Trees grow to a height of thirty to forty feet with a broad flat-topped crown. Mimosa has bipinnately compound leaves that fold up at night and on cloudy days. The plant usually has a single trunk and smooth grey bark with prominent lenticels. The fragrant flowers are produced in pom-pom like umbels on new growth. Flower color ranges from almost white to dark pink. The fruit is a flat legume with multiple seed. Mimosa was once widely planted as an ornamental throughout the eastern United States, but due to Mimosa Vascular Wilt caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum it is no longer recommended. The fungus enters the tree through wounds and clogs the vascular system of the tree, interfering with the movement of water and nutrients. Infected tree leaves turn yellowish and wilt before falling. A brown or white foul-smelling liquid will often be seen oozing from cracks on the trunk. There is no effective treatment for the disease and it is recommended that infected trees be removed and burned. Mimosa produces abundant seed with a hard seed coat. The seed require scarification before they germinate and may remain dormant in the soil for many years. Hundreds of seedlings can often be seen after a disturbance or fire. Mimosa can also grow from sprouts produced from the trunk or roots after injury. --A. Diamond

**

Not Native

**