Mimosa
Albizia julibrissin
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mimosa as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
300"–600" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CT and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mimosa is a fast-growing deciduous tree with feathery compound leaves and fluffy pink flowers that bloom throughout summer. This non-native tree creates a broad, umbrella-shaped canopy that provides excellent shade but can be short-lived and prone to storm damage.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mimosa takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Invasive species in many areas
- Messy seed pods and frequent branch drop
- Often considered weedy or undesirable by HOAs
Wildlife value
Host plant for io moth, clouded skipper.
The fragrant pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths during the summer blooming period. Birds may use the tree for nesting, though it provides less ecological value than native alternatives.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mimosa need?
- Mimosa grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mimosa bloom?
- Mimosa blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Mimosa native?
- Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Mimosa toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mimosa as toxic to livestock.
- What butterflies or moths does Mimosa host?
- Mimosa is a larval host plant for io moth and clouded skipper.
- Is Mimosa HOA-friendly?
- Mimosa 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 Mimosa? 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