Mimosa Trees - To Have or To Have Not

Although Mimosa trees are fast growing (up to 25 feet), have a nice tropical look, attract butterflies and hummingbirds, are drought tolerant, adapt to almost any soil, and can be planted in full sun or partial shade, does that mean you should plant one in your yard?

I must admit that I like to see them in the wild with their fragrant, hot pink blooms which grow in clusters. They can really liven up the landscape. They can grow either as single-stem or multi-trunk trees. The bark is a gentle light gray, giving a beautiful contrast of color. I have heard that the leaves dry well for use in arrangements.

According to the University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension Office web site, this type of tree grows fast, but is short-lived (10-20 years) and has many seed pods that litter the tree and the ground. The seeds often germinate and re-sprout which causes weed problems in gardens and on lawns. Also, the wood is light and brittle and the spreading limbs are susceptible to breakage.

Insects, especially fall web worms are a problem, as well as vascular wilt disease and the stem breakage make it a short-lived tree.

In the landscaping business, we consider this tree a "weed tree" and it is not a good idea to plant one in your yard. A good alternative is a Crapemyrtle or a smoke tree