The mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) is a fast-growing ornamental tree admired for its feathery green foliage, fluffy pink flowers, and widespread, umbrella-like form. With its tropical appearance and summer blooming habit, it adds vibrant color to landscapes. If you’re considering adding a mimosa tree to your yard, it helps to know what one looks like. Here is an overview of identifying features with helpful pictures.
Mimosa Tree Flowers
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Description Showy, fluffy, silky pink flowers that resemble pom poms or powder puffs. Composed of hundreds of thin, string-like stamens giving a delicate, feathered look.
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When Seen: Summer
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Size: 1-2 inches diameter
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Scent: Light, sweet fragrance
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Color Variations: Can be deep pink or softer pastel pink; always have white at the base.
![Pink mimosa tree flowers in summer][]
Mimosa Tree Leaves
- Description: Fern-like, bipinnately compound leaves with 10-20 pairs of pinnae off a central stem. Each pinna has 10-20 tiny oblong leaflets. Very sensitive – leaflets fold up at night.
- When Seen: Spring through fall, dropping in late fall.
- Size: Leaves 10-20 inches long; Leaflets 1/2 inch long.
- Color: Medium to dark green above, paler green below. ![Mimosa tree compound leaves][]
Mimosa Tree Seed Pods
- Description: Flat, papery, elongated pods that hang in clusters. Contain 5-10 seeds.
- When Seen: Summer through fall. Green in summer, turning brown in fall when ripe.
- Size: 4-8 inches long, 1 inch wide
- Color: Green to tan/light brown![Mimosa tree seed pods][]
Mimosa Tree Bark
- Description: Smooth, thin bark patterned with horizontal lenticels. develops shallow fissures and furrows with age.
- Color: Gray-brown to reddish-brown![Mimosa tree bark][]
Mimosa Tree Form
- Growth Habit: Vase shape with upright branching and an open, spreading, flattened or rounded crown.
- Mature Height: 20-50 feet
- Mature Spread: Up to 50 feet wide![Mimosa tree shape][]
Chocolate Mimosa Variety
A popular variety called chocolate mimosa has deep reddish-purple foliage that keeps its dark color all summer. It has lighter pink flowers and a smaller more upright form.![Chocolate mimosa tree leaves][]
Identifying Mimosa Trees
To recognize a mimosa in the landscape, look for:
- Fluffy pink summertime blooms
- Delicate, fern-like compound leaves
- Thin, smooth gray bark and shallow fissures
- Broad, spreading canopy with horizontal branching
- Long, dangling seed pods in fall
The beautiful flowers, lush foliage, and tropical vibe of the mimosa tree give it widespread appeal. Just be sure to give it plenty of room to grow when planting in your yard!
Pesky Plants: Mimosa
FAQ
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How many mimosa tree stock photos are there?
Browse 15,415 authentic mimosa tree stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional mimosa flower or mimosa pudica stock images to find the right photo at the right size and resolution for your project. Gray background with sprigs of mimosa flower. International Women’s Day template for advertising, banners, leaflets and flyers.
What is a mimosa tree?
The Mimosa Tree is a stunning show of flower bursts, which are often compared to starbursts or fireworks. This small to medium-sized fast growing Mimosa Tree displays the most beautiful pink flowers in the depths of summer.
How tall do mimosa trees grow?
Although mimosa trees can grow up to 50 ft. (15 m), keeping them in a large container and pruning will limit their height. If you decide to plant a mimosa tree in your yard, it’s wise to choose the correct location. Mimosas have shallow roots that only grow 2 feet (60 cm) deep.
How do you identify a mimosa tree?
The best way to identify mimosa trees is by their pinnately compound leaves and pink puffball flowers. Their fern-like foliage characteristics and elliptical shape identify the large mimosa tree leaves. In addition, Mimosa trees are easily identifiable by their silky pink flowers growing in pompom-like clusters.
Why do gardeners grow mimosa trees?
One of the biggest reasons why gardeners grow mimosa trees is because seeing their pretty flowers bloom can be quite pleasing. They produce a variety of wonderful blooms in various shades from red to deep pink, and baby pink to white. The Summer Chocolate cultivar produces bronze and purple leaves which can be a majestic sight.
How long does a mimosa tree take to grow?
Roots should grow in about four weeks. The mimosa tree can easily be grown from seed. Harvest seeds from the tree in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. Here are the steps to grow a mimosa tree from seed: Break open the dried seedpod to expose the seeds inside. Put them in a container of very hot water to soak overnight.