Mexican Mimosa
(Mimosa distachya)
Mexican Mimosa (Mimosa distachya)
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Aaron Liston
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Aaron Liston
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Aaron Liston | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Aaron Liston | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-31T12:54:07Z |














Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mimosa distachya, commonly known as Mexican Mimosa, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions, including desert washes and slopes in Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 8-20 feet (2.4-6.1 meters), featuring a rounded form with a dense canopy of fine, feathery foliage. The plant is adorned with fragrant, puffball-like flowers that are a combination of purple and pink, blooming profusely from spring to fall and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Mexican Mimosa is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. Its showy flowers and fine-textured foliage add visual interest to landscapes. Common uses include ornamental plantings, privacy screens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant gardens. It requires full sun exposure and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally easy to maintain, it may be susceptible to mimosa webworm and should be monitored for infestations. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas outside its native range, it can become invasive and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mexican Mimosa is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. Its showy flowers and fine-textured foliage add visual interest to landscapes. Common uses include ornamental plantings, privacy screens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant gardens. It requires full sun exposure and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While generally easy to maintain, it may be susceptible to mimosa webworm and should be monitored for infestations. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas outside its native range, it can become invasive and should be planted with caution.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 8-20 feet
- Width: 8-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen, Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, including desert washes and slopes in Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Mimosa distachya, Acacia remota,
GBIF Accepted Name: Mimosa distachya Cav.