Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Mimosa strigillosa, commonly known as powderpuff or sunshine mimosa, is a low-growing, spreading perennial legume native to the southeastern and central United States, Mexico, parts of Central America, and South America extending to northern Argentina. This species is valued as an ornamental groundcover because of its fern-like foliage, pink “powderpuff” flowers, and ability to form dense mats. It is frequently planted for erosion control, landscaping, pollinator habitat, and as a drought-tolerant lawn alternative. Like many legumes, it is also capable of fixing nitrogen in soils, which can help it grow in nutrient-poor environments. Its creeping growth habit and attractive flowers have contributed to its popularity in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Risks & Threats
Although Mimosa strigillosa is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern and which could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. The species spreads aggressively by stolons and seed, forming dense groundcover that may outcompete native vegetation and alter habitat structure. Its ability to thrive in disturbed areas, tolerate drought, and enrich soils through nitrogen fixation could give it a competitive advantage in sensitive ecosystems where native species are adapted to low-nutrient conditions. In warm climates, these characteristics increase the risk that it could spread beyond cultivation and become difficult to control. Because of these concerns, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative when suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Capable of growing in tropical and temperate climates
  
• Possibly naturalized or adventive on mainland US
  
• Thrives in disturbed habitats (and regarded by some as a weed)
  
• Other Mimosa species are invasive weeds
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes
  
• Reaches maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity, intentionally by people and possibly aided by wind, water, and animals
  
• Seeds with a hard coat, and capable of forming a persistent seed band (at least 1 year)
  
• Tolerates mowing and able to resprout from taproots

Low Risk Traits:

• Although sometimes regarded as a weed, generally considered not overly aggressive
  
• Thornless
  
• Provides forage for livestock and wildlife
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control