I want a Mimosa tree in my yard. When in bloom, they are breathtaking.They are very rare in Indiana, but commonplace in New Mexico. I cannot find a start or even seeds for this tree. Got any ideas about availability? Leeta
Mimosa is only a herb, not a tree at all. What you've seen is probably a related plant, Albizia julibrissin, also known as Silk-tree but commonly mis-named 'mimosa'; it is native to southern and eastern Asia. In the southern US it is an invasive weed tree, so many places refuse to stock it on principle, while further north (Indiana included) it is only marginally hardy at best, so nurseries won't stock it because too many get returned for a refund after being killed by the winter. If you want to try it, go somewhere a bit south where they are common, and collect some seeds from anywhere you can get permission to collect; I'd suspect most people would be happy to give away some seeds. But if you're in Indiana, be aware it probably won't live long.
Leeta: I got some seeds from a tree down the street. Only one seedling lasted thru the winter, in a small pot placed in the yard. I'm planting it this year. Wish me luck! They are beautiful. Just for the record, I saw several really tall 'mimosa' trees in Missouri and Kansas. Marilyn
Do you know the botanical name for your "mimosa"? That common name gets used quite a bit for different things.
Around these parts, these trees are commonly called "Silk Tree". To avoid confusion, I always perfer the botanical names. Here's a pic of my Albizia julibrissin with many thousands of buds and a few blooms. Cheers, LPN.
