MIMOSA

The mimosa tree is an ornamental tree that was introduced into England in 1745 from Persia and China. Credit for bringing it to this country at the end of the eighteenth century goes to Andre Michaux.

The tree does not grow to great height but has long, sweeping boughs that make it a pleasant shade tree.

Light green leaves, compound and feather like, accentuate the pink powder-puff flowers that appear in June and July. The fruit is a flat pod, thin enough to show the outline of seeds within.

Today the mimosa is not as prevalent in the Historic Triangle area as it once was. It is highly susceptible to a soil fungus that has greatly decimated the number of trees in Virginia.

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