Next in my series of The ABCs of Plants in My Garden is Velvetpod Mimosa or Mimosa Dysocarpa.
Mimosa? Isn't mimosa invasive? Mimosa Dysocarpa is a Texas native plant and is not considered invasive. Invasive mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is an asian native brought over in the 18th Century which has escaped cultivation.
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Native Mimosa dysocarpa is deciduous and extremely drought tolerant. While it likes direct sun and reflected heat, it also does well in part shade. The photo above is from Ragna's garden this past spring. Mine is about 8" tall and in the gravel bed next to the garage where it gets mostly sun with late afternoon shade.
The bright pink flowers fade to pale pink and white.
Mimosa dysocarpa has a shrub-like form which matures at about six feet (1.8m) tall. The native range is west Texas extending across New Mexico to Arizona and south into Mexico. It's also called Catclaw or Gatuno for the thorns along the branches.
This special native plant when mature will be a bright spot in the front garden against the stone garage wall.
Oh...I like this. I don't think I've seen this one. The ones I've seen along the roads here, are the mimosa borealis...with little round flowers.
ReplyDeleteThey're supposed to be deer resistant. Wonder if our deer here would know that?
I'm enjoying your ABCs.
Ragna has plenty of deer in her front yard and they don't seem to bother it. Of course deer have different appetites in different areas.
DeleteGorgeous! Very Dr. Seuss looking type blooms. Looks so pretty next to the cactus with pink undertones.
ReplyDeleteThey are so pretty and delicate. I might have to add the Santa-rita opuntia for best effect.
DeleteWhat a beautiful plant! This one's new to me. Probably wouldn't like our soggy winters and cool summers. I'll just salivate over your pictures since I can't grow it here!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many plants like hydrangeas which grow beautifully up in the PNW we cannot grow here so it's nice to have a few special plants for our region.
DeleteThe native range is limited to the driest areas so that would preclude your much wetter climate.
This is a great plant. Considered a fast grower and short lived tree here, but the leaves and flowers make it worth the effort:) And very xeric once established. Plus I think hummers like perching in this tree:)
ReplyDeleteI hope mine grows faster as the weather improves, it's taken a few hits with the extreme weather we've had.
DeleteLovely plant, those pink flowers reminds me of 'bottle brush' flowers. LT
ReplyDeleteCallistemon is a popular plant here and one I remember well from the neighborhood where I grew up.
DeleteSo interactive of a plant, the just beg you to touch them. I did not realize they are so drought resistant.
ReplyDeleteThey are very soft and delicate, I've rarely watered this one even in the drought years.
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