Mimosa strigillosa

Mimosa strigillosa (Powderpuff or Sensitive Plant) is a wonderful groundcover which is relatively drought tolerant. It is native to Miami-Dade County and most of the counties north of Lake Okeechobee. The name ‘powderpuff’ is derived from the shape of its pink flowers resembling a powderpuff. The ‘sensitive plant’ comes from the fact its fern-like leaves close up upon touching them. Even the force of raindrops causes the leaves to close.

It is also the host plant of the Little Yellow, or Little Sulphur Butterfly (Eurema lisa). This butterfly occurs in southern parts of North America, including South Florida.

Richard Lyons Nursery currently has this plant in stock.