When does catclaw briar bloom?

Mimosa nuttallii typically flowers from June through August, producing small round pink flower clusters along its trailing stems.

What pollinators visit catclaw briar flowers?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to the pink flower heads of Mimosa nuttallii.

How much water does catclaw briar need?

This forb is adapted to low water availability and does well in dry, well-drained soils once it is established.

What light conditions does catclaw briar prefer?

It grows best in full sun, though it can tolerate some part sun in open, grassy sites.

Is catclaw briar a shrub or an herbaceous plant?

Despite its woody-sounding name, Mimosa nuttallii is a low, trailing herbaceous forb rather than a shrub.

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.

Catclaw Briar

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mimosa nuttallii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Mimosa nuttallii, or catclaw briar, is a sprawling prairie forb that produces small pink puffball flowers from June through August. It grows best in full sun on dry, well-drained soils typical of plains and rocky grasslands.

Toxicity unknown

Catclaw Briar (Mimosa nuttallii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, CO, IA, IL and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain

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

When does catclaw briar bloom?: Mimosa nuttallii typically flowers from June through August, producing small round pink flower clusters along its trailing stems.
What pollinators visit catclaw briar flowers?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors to the pink flower heads of Mimosa nuttallii.
How much water does catclaw briar need?: This forb is adapted to low water availability and does well in dry, well-drained soils once it is established.
What light conditions does catclaw briar prefer?: It grows best in full sun, though it can tolerate some part sun in open, grassy sites.
Is catclaw briar a shrub or an herbaceous plant?: Despite its woody-sounding name, Mimosa nuttallii is a low, trailing herbaceous forb rather than a shrub.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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