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Stone, Robert L.
Mimosa borealis Gray
Fragrant mimosa, Pink Mimosa
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
USDA Symbol: mibo2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
The long, slender, intricately-branched stems of this 2-6 ft. deciduous shrub are curving or straight, with small thorns scattered along the branches. Leaves are delicately bipinnate. Sprawling, long-branched thorny shrub with clusters of aromatic flowers. The fragrant, pink flowers occur in soft, dense ball-shaped clusters about 1/2 in. in diameter.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Bipinnate
Size Notes: 2-6
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PinkBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CO , KS , NM , OK , TXNative Distribution: OK to KS & s.e. CO, s. through c. & w. TX & NM to Mex.
Native Habitat: Rocky hills; canyons; brushy areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Rocky soils. Limestone-based, Caliche type, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam Clay
Conditions Comments: This thorny shrub is covered with small, very fragrant pink puffballs in the spring. It is a good nectar source for bees and butterflies. Great for the xeric garden. Plant away from high traffic areas. Can take extreme heat and harsh conditions once established.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Showy, Aromatic, Accent tree or shrub, Rock gardens, Blooms ornamental, Long-blooming, Perennial gardenUse Wildlife: Nectar-insects, Browse, Cover
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Hill Country Natives - Leander, TX
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Native Plant Society of Texas - Fredericksburg, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
Jacob's Well Natural Area - Wimberley, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0506 Collected Apr. 11, 1992 in Kendall County by Lottie MillsapsNPSOT 1066 Collected Apr 20, 1996 in Bexar County by Mike Fox
NPSOT 0210 Collected Apr. 16, 1992 in Comal County by Mary Beth White
Bibliography
Bibref 355 - Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Mimosa borealis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Mimosa borealis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mimosa borealis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff, MAC
