Mimosa strigillosa (Sunshine Mimosa)

Mimosa strigillosa (Sunshine Mimosa) is a trailing, mat-forming perennial wildflower with twice pinnately compound, bright green leaves with 3 to 6 pairs of opposite pinnate, and as many as 21 pairs of small leaflets. These leaflets fold when touched, hence its common name (Sensitive Plant). Blooming profusely from spring to late summer, showy pink to lavender ball-shaped flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), with protruding yellow-tipped stamens, appear on long stalks arising from the leaf axils. The flowers attract bees and butterflies and are followed by small flattened pods that ripen about 4 to 5 weeks after flowering. The prostrate, hairy stems sprawl continuously, often forming roots at their nodes. They do not climb over other plants or structures. Since Sunshine Mimosa spreads readily and tolerates being mowed, it can be grown as a cheerful groundcover. However, this plant is not evergreen and the leaves may disappear in winter or become sparse and somewhat thin and yellow. Sunshine Mimosa is also excellent for erosion control. Native to nearly all US states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Sunshine Mimosa often occurs in disturbed areas, along roadsides and at the edge of pine flatwoods with well-drained, sandy soils. This low-growing, perennial legume grows in most well-drained soils and is highly drought tolerant once established, making it suitable for dry, sandy areas.

• Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm) and up to 100 ft. long (30 m).
• Performs best in full sun to light shade in sandy or loamy, dry to moist, well-drained soils. Highly drought tolerant once established.
• No serious disease issues. Little sulphur butterfly (Pyrisitia lisa) caterpillars will feed on the foliage.
• Propagated by seed or cuttings. Carefully select your planting area. Well established plants may be difficult to eradicate.
• Sunshine Mimosa is difficult to control in restricted areas and is best grown with boundaries (pavement or sidewalks), where it can be more easily edged.
• Native to nearly all US states bordering the Gulf of Mexico and grows north into Georgia and Arkansas as well.