Catclaw Briar
Mimosa nuttallii
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Catclaw Briar fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.