Catclaw Briar
Mimosa nuttallii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Mimosa nuttallii (Catclaw Briar) is a native forb found across the central United States from Texas to the Great Lakes region. This drought-tolerant wildflower produces pink blooms from June through August, attracting bees and butterflies.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, CO, IA, IL and 12 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sensitive briar is a low-growing native legume with delicate, feathery compound leaves that fold when touched. It produces small, round, pink puffball flowers throughout summer and has a sprawling, ground-hugging growth habit.
Growing Catclaw Briar
Grow Catclaw Briar in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Catclaw Briar takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Sprawling habit looks informal and weedy
- Small delicate flowers may not appear substantial enough
- Ground-hugging form lacks the structure HOAs typically prefer
Wildlife value
The nectar-rich flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the long summer blooming period. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- Where does Mimosa nuttallii naturally grow?
- Catclaw Briar is native to a large portion of central North America, including Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.
- When does Catclaw Briar bloom?
- Mimosa nuttallii typically blooms during the summer months of June, July, and August, producing small pink flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Catclaw Briar?
- The flowers of Mimosa nuttallii are visited by bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the pink blooms during the summer flowering period.
- What growing conditions does Mimosa nuttallii prefer?
- This native forb thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to dry prairies and open areas throughout its native range.
- Is Catclaw Briar HOA-friendly?
- Catclaw Briar takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Catclaw Briar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz