Mimosa strigillosa

Name: Mimosa strigillosa

Common name: Powderpuff, sensitive plant, sunshine mimosa

Description: This fast-growing groundcover looks delicate but is a tough plant. The leaflets are remarkably sensitive to touch, folding up within one or two seconds after being disturbed. The leaves are larger in partial shade, up to 11 inches long and 4 inches wide and smaller in full sun, commonly 3½ inches long and 2 inches wide. Pink, 1-inch globular flower heads appear in spring and last through the fall. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant and is able to withstand foot traffic and mowing, if necessary.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.

Landscape uses: M. strigillosa grows best in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Despite its rapidly spreading nature, this groundcover is not overly competitive. As few as four or five pots of M. strigillosa planted in the landscape can cover 200-300 square feet in less than a full growing season. It can also be interplanted with lawn grass. Grasses will grow through it and can be mowed.

Propagation: By seed and rooted cuttings.

Source: University of Florida, Lee County Extension

Photos courtesy of Jane Morse, Alexey Sergeev