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Native Plant Society of Texas

Velvetpod Mimosa

Mimosa dysocarpa

Other common name(s):

Velvetpod Mimosa, Velvet-pod Mimosa, Gatuno

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Low Mountains and Bajadas

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

2
to
6
ft.

Spread

4
to
6
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Rocky, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Caterpillars, Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Extremely drought tolerant. Plant 2 to 3 feet apart in soil with excellent drainage. Makes an attractive accent plant. Regular pruning encourages growth of more branches and flowers. Plant away from sidewalks due to thorny branches. Native habitat: Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregion in arroyos and brushy hillsides; 3500 to 6500 ft. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms June-October. Thorny, branched shrub spreading widely from the base. Finely divided compound leaves close when touched. Leaves, twigs and pods are hairy. The small, lightly fragrant flowers are clustered on a 2-inch cylindrical plume at the end of each stem. The fruit is a one to two inch pod with a reddish brown velvety surface, constricted between seeds. Larval host: Checkerspot, Texas Crescent, and Pearl Crescent butterflies.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Mimosa dysocarpa var. wrightii

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Soak 24-48 h in lukewarm water. Sow just under the soil surface. Use sowing mix + sand or perlite. Maintain at temperature around 22-25°C, bright light, keep constantly moist, not wet. Germination time 1-3 weeks. https://www.sunshine-seeds.de/Mimosa-dysocarpa-42431p.html?language=en
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Insert the prepared cutting into a small pot filled with a well-draining mixture of peat and perlite or a similar substrate. Ensure at least one node is buried in the soil. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location, and keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity. Once the cuttings have rooted and new growth is visible, gradually acclimate the new plants to lower humidity by removing the plastic bag. Transplant them into larger pots with a well-draining soil mix suitable for velvetpod mimosa. Water the plants regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Position them in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and provide balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Prune as needed to encourage bushier growth. The best time to propagate velvetpod mimosa is during spring and summer, utilizing cuttings. These seasons provide optimal warm temperatures and increased daylight, crucial for root development. Ensuring high humidity and avoiding excessive direct sunlight can further improve propagation success. Choose healthy, semi-hardwood stems from the velvetpod mimosa plant, typically about 4-6 inches long, with several leaf nodes. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Mimosa_dysocarpa.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason