Mimosa strigillosa
 
Common Names Sunshine Mimosa, Powderpuff, Herbaceous Mimosa
 
Zones 8B–11
 
A low-growing, mat-forming native legume of the southeastern U.S., Mimosa strigillosa is prized for its feathery foliage, sensitive leaves, and bright pink powderpuff blooms. Found naturally in prairies, forest openings, and coastal meadows, it spreads by stolons and roots readily, making it ideal for erosion control, turf replacement, and pollinator support.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Prostrate groundcover; spreads by stolons; roots at nodes
Height: Typically 2–8 in (5–20 cm); spreads 3–6 ft (0.9–1.8 m) per season
Leaves: Bipinnately compound; bluish-green; sensitive to touch—folds when disturbed
Bark: Herbaceous stems; hairy; woody at base in mature plants
Flowers: Pom-pom shaped; bright pink with yellow anthers; ~1 in wide; bloom spring through fall
Fruit: Flat, oblong seed pods; brown when mature; seeds consumed by birds
Ecology: Host plant for Little Sulphur (Eurema lisa) butterfly; attracts bees, wild turkeys, and other wildlife; nitrogen-fixing legume
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Watering: Low once established; drought tolerant
Soil: Sandy loam preferred; well-drained; adaptable to dry or moist sites
Temperature: Hardy to ~20°F (–6°C); regrows in spring
Humidity: High tolerance; ideal for southeastern climates
Propagation: Seed or cuttings; stolons root easily
Tolerance: Heat, drought, foot traffic, mowing, light compaction
 
Landscape Use Ideal for native lawns, erosion control, and pollinator gardens. Use as a turf alternative or in restoration zones where low-growing cover is needed. Pairs well with Helianthus debilis, Senna mexicana var. chapmanii, and Passiflora suberosa.