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History and Description
The mimosa tree is from Asia and Africa. It is sometimes
called a Silk tree. It grows to an average of 20-30 feet. It is a deciduous
tree, which attracts bees and butterflies. A mimosa tree has a single trunk and
fern-like leafs with fragrant pom-pom like flowers.
Uses
It was introduced in 1745 as an ornamental tree. People
plant it in their yards to add beauty to their surroundings.
Reproduction
It spreads by animals and water-dispersed seeds. In wet areas, the seedpods
float downstream. This enables them to reproduce quickly. The Mimosa grows
better in dry-to-wet places. It is able to survive the winter in the southern
U.S. but flowers better in warmer, drier climates.
The flowers come up from May to July and the fruits and seeds come up from June
to February.
Ecological Threat
Mimosa trees grow rapidly and reproduce easily. One
mimosa tree can produce over two hundred thousand seeds each year. This
threatens the native species.
Control
Pull the seedlings or shallow-rooted plants when the dirt is wet. If it starts
to grow again, cut down the re-growth.
Using chemicals also works. Roundup is very effective for controlling the
spread of the mimosa tree.
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