Fig. 4.-Leaf and flowers of the Mimosa, Albizzia julibrissin.


 Albizzia julibrissin. Leguminosae. Silk-Tree or Mimosa. Central
and Northern areas. Deciduous. Asia.
 Mimosa is a medium-sized tree growing to 40 feet in height with
an irregular spreading crown, horizontal to drooping branches and
frequently a leaning trunk. Bipinnately compound leaves are fern-like
and 12 to 14 inches long (Fig. 4). Numerous pink powderpuff flower
clusters with long stamens appear in late spring. Tan to brown pods
4 to 6 inches long appear after flowers and remain on trees until fall.
 Silk-tree is a popular tree with homeowners, and its small size
and horizontal branching make it very useful in landscaping. Use as
a framing or patio tree is most satisfactory; however, silk-tree will
also serve as a specimen or shade tree. This tree is tolerant of salt
spray, and therefore is useful near the shore. In recent years, many
trees have been killed by a disease known as mimosa wilt. A "wilt
resistant" variety or strain is being sold, but recent evidence indicates
that no mimosa is wilt resistant. Wilt symptoms usually do not ap-
pear on a tree until it approaches maturity.