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Sensitive Briar, Littleleaf Sensitive-briar - Mimosa microphylla


Family: Fabaceae - Pea family Genus Common Name: Mimosa Native Status: NativeDicot Perennial Vine Herb
Mimosa microphylla - Sensitive Briar, Littleleaf Sensitive-briar. Thumbnail size flower. Allan Ihrer has suggested that this might be M. nuttallii. USDA, however, does not list that species in Tennessee. I originally identified this as M. quadrivalvis, which is listed both as a synonym of M. nuttallii and M. microphylla, and subsequent investigation indicates M. microphylla is likely the correct identification.

Found in:
AL, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA

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Mimosa microphylla

Distribution of Mimosa microphylla in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Gruetli-Laager, Grundy County, TN Date: 2007-July-12Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
While this is a member of the pea family, it definitely does NOT have a pea-like blossom. The thumbnail-size pink ball is a cluster of tiny flowers.
Mimosa microphylla
Site: Cloudland Canyon State Park, Dade County, GA Date: 2010-July-10Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
The "Sensitive Briar" name comes not only from the stickers on the stems, but from the fact that the pinnate leaves "close" when touched, as shown in this animated photo.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Mimosa microphylla
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Mimosa microphylla initially published on USWildflowers.com 2008-12-31; Updated 2015-06-25

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