Mimosa nuttallii
(Nuttall's Sensitive-briar)
Mimosa nuttallii, Martin Creek Lake State Park, Rusk Co. 6171
Mimosa nuttallii, Martin Creek Lake State Park, Rusk Co. 6179
Mimosa nuttallii, CR310, Llano Co. 3170
Mimosa nuttallii, CR310, Llano Co. 3184
Mimosa nuttallii, Martin Creek Lake State Park, Rusk Co. 6182
Mimosa nuttallii, CR310, Llano Co. 3177
| Scientific Name | Mimosa nuttallii | USDA PLANTS Symbol | MINU6 |
| Common Name | Nuttall's Sensitive-briar, Catclaw Sensitive-briar | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 507832 |
| Family | Fabaceae (Pea) | Wildflower Center Ref. | Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Sandy or silty soils in disturbed areas, grasslands, woodland openings. Plant: Trailing, prostrate, branched perennial, ribbed stems 2 to 6 feet long with recurved (bent-back) prickles. Leaves: Bi-pinnately compound on prickly stalks with 4 to 8 pairs of primary leaflets, each 1 to 2 inches long, divided into 8 to 15 pairs of small secondary leaflets each 5/16-inch long that fold up when disturbed; each leaflet has a conspicuous midrib and sideribs beneath. Inflorescence: Dense pink, ball-shaped inflorescence 1/2 to 3/4-inch in diameter with many very small individual flowers each with 5 petals and 8 to 12 protruding stamens with pink filaments and yellow anthers. Bloom Period: April to September. Fruit: Mature fruit is nearly cylindrically-shaped. References: "Wildflowers of Texas" by Geyata Ajilsvgi and Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses. Notes: Leaflets are sensitive to touch and will fold up when disturbed. Very similar to M. roemeriana, except for conspicuous midribs on leaflets, ribbed stems and shape of the fruit. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024