Mimosa
Albizia julibrissin · Fabaceae (Legume, Pea, or Bean family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Bipinnately compound leaf, deciduous
Shape
Oblong to lanceolate leaflets with an asymmetric base; the overall leaf is a large bipinnate structure with numerous pairs of pinnae and numerous small leaflets
Margin
Entire (smooth) edges on the tiny individual leaflets
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement on the main woody stems
Venation
Pinnate venation on individual leaflets, though veins are very faint and often obscured by the small size
Key Features
Bipinnately compound leaves with numerous tiny, asymmetric leaflets; showy pink powder-puff flower heads; flat, papery seed pods that persist through winter
Description
Albizia julibrissin is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a broad, flat-topped crown and smooth, greenish-grey bark. It is most famous for its spectacular, highly fragrant, powder-puff-like pink and white flowers that bloom profusely in the summer, followed by flat, papery seed pods. The delicate, fern-like foliage folds up at night or when touched, displaying thigmonastic movement.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, along roadsides, forest edges, and abandoned lots. Prefers full sun and well-drained soils, highly adaptable to poor soils and drought conditions
Native Range
Native to Asia (from Iran to China and Japan). Widely introduced and naturalized in warm-temperate regions worldwide, including the southeastern United States, where it is often considered invasive