Right now the gorgeous pink mimosa trees are blooming all over the place, and they are quite a sight lining some of the roadways. Shortly after the trees begin blooming the ground starts popping up with fuzzy pink flowers, too. They look a lot like the mimosa flowers, and that’s because they are also a type of mimosa. Most people know them as the powderpuff or mimosa vine (Calliandra spp). Like the mimosa trees they are not native to the United States, but many people use them for decorative purposes, and they can escape and cover wild areas. They are pretty common here in Florida and can be found on right of ways, lawns, or any other sunny area with well drained soil.

Besides being beautiful to look at, I enjoy these vines because they are sensitive. By that, I mean that if touched, the leaves will fold in on themselves. They tend to look wilted. But if you watch for a few minutes, they will open back up. It’s really fascinating, and I actually discovered it by accident the first time I photographed them. They also tend to fold up in the rain and at night. I’m not sure why it does that, but it’s pretty cool! This plant is also pretty tough and can withstand freezing temperatures, mowing, and once well established, drought. It’s definitely a nice ground cover for those of us who don’t like to mow!