How great is this tree? It's Dr. Seuss-inspired (my favorite kind!) When I first saw one, it was located curiously close to a delicious local sushi restaurant, so I decided it must be Asian. Then, I began to see them along the road as I was driving to work, and realized that was a stupid assumption. I was trying to imagine how I could have never noticed these wonderful pink powder-puff fluffs growing on these local trees, and decided to do a little research. What is it? Where is it from?
Turns out, it IS Asian!! or, to be more precise, it is native to both Asia and the Middle East. It's called a Mimosa or silk tree. And birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds like it.
I have ALSO discovered that this is an "invasive tree" and many folks are up-in-arms about people who plant it in this part of the world. Apparently it re-seeds quite easily and can be a bit of a pain. But I can't imagine anything quite as charming as an overabundance of pink powder-puff-fluff trees - even if they ARE invasive.
My photos are all rather close-up because I didn't like the surroundings...but there's an entire pool devoted to the Mimosa at Flickr, and a couple better overviews here and here.
7 comments:
Luv the fluf.
I remember being offended when I first heard about Mimosa being invasive, too. Alas, where I'm living now, in Panama, there's a species of it that grows on the ground and has thorns AND is invasive. Definitely makes going barefoot no fun!
I saw one of these on a walk with the girls this weekend! I never would have noticed it if you hadn't posted pictures. The girls were thrilled because anything pink is thrilling...
Very fragrant flowers, I love this plant! And in my country (Italy, in the North) isn't *so* invasive.
I know it like Albizzia julibrissin.
Ciao!
Yes is Albizzia julibrissin or Constantinopla Tree.
Yes it is the Albizzia julibrissin or the Persian silk tree... the term 'Mimosa' is commonly used in the US but is a misnomer... your post sparked off a little investigation and hopefully i've got it right in my post - http://ringsofsilverpv.blogspot.com/2009/05/of-albizias-acacias-and-mimosas.html
Hi. I just found your lovely blog by clicking on "next blog" at the top just to see where it would lead. Here in Australia we know those trees as Albizzia julibrissin or silk tree. I have one right outside my window. Turns out they do self-seed so now we try to be vigilant about picking up the seed pods or even cutting them off before they fall.
Post a Comment