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Mimosa

Albizia julibrissin

Other Common Names

Silk Tree, Silky Acacia

Plant Category

Tree

Invasive Description

Mimosa is native to Asia. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20-40 feet tall, Widely planted as an ornamental because of attractive pink flowers, it is fast-growing and short-lived.

Ecological Threat

Mimosa, introduced to the U.S. in 1745, can grow in a variety of soils, produce large seed crops, and re-sprout when damaged.

It is a strong competitor to native trees and shrubs in open areas or forest edges. Dense stands of Mimosa severely reduce the sunlight and nutrients available for other plants. It forms colonies from root sprouts and spreads by abundant animal- and water-dispersed seeds. Seeds remain viable for many years.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions