(919) 475-1015
Categories
Uncategorized

My Love and Hate Relationship with the Mimosa Tree

If you’re familiar with the Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin), then you might be interested in my love hate relationship with this plant. Read on to learn why I keep my Mimosa tree for the time being.

Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

Mimosa Tree

Mimosa trees are pretty magical. They have fragrant hot pink flower puffs and delicate fern-like leaves. I have a great view of a Mimosa tree from my kitchen window. I love watching the hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees zipping around it. I even like when the seed pods form into a chartreuse color that ties into the chartreuse plants in my garden like Spiraea, Sedum, and Acorus.

Each year I collect Mimosa flowers and make a tincture out of it. This “Happiness Spirit” is easy to make and is said to cure the winter blues. Here’s how to make it: Step One-Fill a quart jar with Mimosa flowers, leave them fluffy, don’t pack them down. Step Two-Add one cup of honey. Step Three-Fill with vodka. Step Four-Put in a dark spot for 30 days, then strain. Just add a teaspoon in your tea.

“Happiness Spirit” Steps

Happiness Spirit Steps

Despite my love for the Mimosa tree, I hate this plant! It’s an aggressive grower and is considered an invasive species. After the seeds drop everywhere, I spend time daily weeding dozens of saplings. If I wait too long between weeding, it becomes more maintenance than I can manage. The tree is technically on my neighbor’s property. He may remove it sometime soon and I’ll be okay with the departure. I’ll just have to go out and forage blooms for my Happiness Spirit.

Considering a low maintenance option to replace your Mimosa tree? Contact Bright Leaf Landscaping at (919) 619-4460 or fill out our online contact form. Design and installation are our expertise, and we are always happy to meet with new clients to discuss potential projects!