About Mimosa strigillosa Torr. & A.Gray
Mimosa strigillosa, also commonly called sunshine mimosa and powderpuff, is a perennial ground cover plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to nearly all U.S. states that border the Gulf of Mexico, and its range grows north into Georgia and Arkansas. The common name powderpuff refers to the plant's small spherical flowers that grow above its creeping vines. Like other related species in the genus Mimosa, sunshine mimosa has sensitive leaves that can fold within seconds after being disturbed. Due to its mat-forming growth habit, drought tolerance, and ability to fix nitrogen like many legumes (meaning it does not require fertilizer), it is recommended as a replacement for traditional turf grasses for xeriscaping and to reduce environmental impact. It is also promoted as a turfgrass replacement because it can tolerate some foot traffic and mowing. This plant is capable of spreading rapidly, and as few as four or five pots can cover 300 square feet in a single growing season. For some gardeners, a potential downside is that the plant acts as a host for the larvae of little sulphur butterflies, Eurema lisa. Because of its overall usefulness as a landscaping plant, it was named one of the 2008 Plants of the Year by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association.
