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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Mimosa strigillosa

Other common name(s):

Sensitive Plant, Sunshine Mimosa

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.

East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands
Coastal Sand Plain, Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Southern Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Groundcover, Herbaceous

Height

0.75
to
1
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Well Drained, Moist, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Once established, the deep root system helps control erosion and makes it drought tolerant. Makes a good perennial ground cover. The plant is also recommended as a turf grass replacement because of its ability to withstand some foot traffic and mowing, although the stems are prickly. Stems can become very long and sprawling. Can be trimmed to create a denser form. Propagation: root cutting, stem cutting, seed.

Comments

Blooms March-August. A low groundcover with sprawling, prickly stems, that can reach 100 feet long over time. Like other species of Mimosa, it has tiny, sensitive compound leaves that can fold in a matter of seconds after being disturbed. Tiny flowers occur in, pink, puffy, ball-like clusters. The fruit is a flattened pod turning from green to brown as it matures. Larval host: Little Sulphur Butterfly (Eurema lisa).

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Mimosa strigillosa is easily propagated by placing tip cuttings in a glass of water or placing them directly into potting soil. Or find sections that have begun to set roots at the nodes. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MIST2 2) https://floridanativegarden.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/a-short-bit-on-sunshine-mimosa-mimosa-strigillosa/#:~:text=Mimosa%20strigillosa%20is%20easily%20propagated,anytime%20during%20its%20growing%20season.
Seed Scarification The seed coating is impervious to water so it should be scarified (rubbed using a nail file or lightly rubbed with sandpaper) to ensure germination. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MIST2 2) https://floridanativegarden.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/a-short-bit-on-sunshine-mimosa-mimosa-strigillosa/#:~:text=Mimosa%20strigillosa%20is%20easily%20propagated,anytime%20during%20its%20growing%20season.

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