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scarediecats

Why are my beautiful mimosa trees dying?

scarediecats
10 years ago

I have loved mimosa trees since I was a child so now that I am grown I have planted them all along my driveway (yes, I live far enough out in the country so that they are not a nuisance to my neighbors). I live close to Nashville, TN. The problem is, it seems that every year I loose at least one of them and have to replace the tree or let it start the re-growth process. Now, one of my biggest and oldest trees - at least 5 years old or more - has begun to die. It was in full bloom at the beginning of the summer and looked beautiful but now it has lost over half its leaves. There are three main trunks to this particular tree - so I guess you could say there are three trees in one. There is a white foam on all three of the trunks. Should I could cut down the two “sick” trunks (trees) - the one with no leaves left on them - and leave the third trunk (tree) - which is the only healthy part left? I have seen little, tiny green bugs on my smaller trees - where some of the leaves are turning brown. I don’t want to spray the tree with insecticide at this time of year because it is full of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. The trees are so beautiful once they get so very large and full of their flowers - it is heart breaking to see them die. I hold my breath every year!! I see wild mimosa trees around our land and town every year that always seem healthy. I grew up with mimosa trees that you couldn’t kill!! Why are mine dying? What can I do to prevent this from happening again? Thank you for your help.

Comments (53)

  • jeff_al
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    i loved the one in my grandmother's backyard (great for climbing) when i was a child but now i am not so fond of them because of their aggressive nature.
    there is a disease that may be what your trees are manifesting symptoms of called mimosa wilt.
    see link.

    Here is a link that might be useful: mimosa wilt disease

  • scarediecats
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    sick Mimosa tree

  • salicaceae
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Looks like mimosa wilt. There is little to be done - also don't replant one in that location as the pathogen is soil-borne and will likely re-infect new ones. You could send samples to a diagnostic lab if you want to confirm that it is Fusarium.

    We have lots of mimosas here (none on my property) and I can't say I've heard of it displacing any particular native species. Are there any specifics on this in TN? Personally, I don't care for them - though I am interested in some related species such as A. coreana. I understand why people feel the need to "educate" others about the invasiveness of this species, given the hype, but I think the real impact of some invasive plants has yet to be determined. That said, there are some real "bad boys" in my opinion - cogongrass and Japanese climbing fern for example. By the way, one of my favorite trees is Populus alba, which doesn't even produce viable seed in North America (except rare hybrids with aspens), yet is banned in some states and considered a Class 1 invasive. Why? - because it produces suckers up to 100' from the original parent tree. Some agencies wrongly assume it produces seedling offspring and classify its invasiveness based on this mis-information...Lastly, you should see the debates on here about eastern red cedar! There are those who believe it should be banned from planting where it is native! It is even on some "official" invasive species lists in states where it is the only native conifer!

  • j0nd03
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    "I can't say I've heard of it displacing any particular native species"

    Around here mimosa and various native sumac occupy the same sites. When mimosa gets large enough and begins forming a colony, the native sumac cannot colonize the area. Do you have sumac in FL?

  • Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Yeah, they are invasive in Florida as well. My assumption is they are on Missouri's list as well as along 270 between Hazelwood and Maryland Heights there are plenty growing in formerly natural areas.

    Honeysuckle bushes are the worst IMO. You can see a difference in the woodlines as soon as you are sixty or so miles out of town.

    Back to mimosas, maybe in your part of TN the wilt keeps em in check. Even here they are quick to grow, quick to die first colinizer type plants.

    And yeah, if I were on the healthcare forum asking for the best brand of smokes or for studies to aid my attemot to get my property rezoned for hazardous waste dumps they would give me some flack.

    Is that constructive? I dunno. Walk into the neighborhood bar or church with plans for highway expansion right through main street they will probably attempt to talk me out of it as well. Group think? Maybe. Society trying to get folks to do what is for the greater good? Maybe.

    I am not on either end of extreme. I have acer palmatums. I also have a (gasp!) Bradford. Like you say, they are still being sold so it is not like w/o peer pressure and regukation any effect can be had. But I am not planting more invasives.

    Here is a link that might be useful: ufl.edu

  • scarediecats
    Original Author
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you for the informative responses that have followed my last post. Salicaceae; Your statement… “Mimosa wilt…the pathogen is soil-borne and will likely re-infect new ones. You could send samples to a diagnostic lab if you want to confirm that it is Fusarium” …made me realize that I had missed the information that states that the problem is “soil-borne”. That shines the light on what I have been overlooking all this time. See - that is the point of my “putting myself out there” and asking for help - on a gardening website - for my Mimosa trees (especially knowing how some people feel about them)…an answer that will help prevent further harm to these trees as well as the guilt and disappointment that comes with watching them die. I did not realize I was on a forum that “focused” on enlightening people of invasive plants/trees - I though it was a forum where I could get information to help me keep my trees healthy. I know before hand the reputation, origin, and habits - good and bad - of everything I plant on my land because I do put so much research into what I plant before I plant it. I read every “opinion” I can find - and do not limit myself to rehearsed “biases”. I then make my decisions as to what to plant or not to plant.

    j0nd03: we have Winged Sumac Scientific (Rhus copallinum) in abundance here in TN. My land was “packed” with them when we bought it. You couldn’t even walk through them they were so thick. Because they were so thick there was nothing else growing on the land except for a Sycamore tree here and there. They now only line my land. I think such a dense cluster of Sumac would easily give a Mimosa tree a run for it’s money.

    toronado3800; though I have some Honeysuckle bushes remaining that were on my land when I bought it I agree that they are very dangerous because they are so obviously aggressive and damaging to everything they attach to. I keep a well contained cluster just for the smell and beauty of the flowers…otherwise our land maintenance consists of regular removal of any other vines found. Even vines that line the woods - that do not belong to us - but connect to our land.

    Here is a little “hidden nugget” about the Mimosa tree.

    Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., Founder of the American Herbalists Guild
    (I am adding the website because I have only inserted part of the lecture here. Further reading is recommended because it is highly informative and interesting!)
    http://www.planetherbs.com/specific-herbs/albizzia-the-tree-of-happiness.html

    The flowers and bark of the mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) are among the most valued of Chinese botanicals for relieving anxiety, stress and depression. Commonly found growing throughout temperate zones in the Western United States albizia is native to China, Persia, Korea and Japan. It is traditionally known as "huan hua" (flowers) and "he huan pi" (bark) and popularly as the "happiness herb," and "collective happiness bark" by the Chinese. Recently some Chinese herbalists and acupuncturists have even called it 'herbal Prozac. Its use was first documented in the Shen Nong Ben Cao (Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica) during the 2nd century for its mood supportive and calming properties as well as a tonic. Chinese people traditionally recommend its use for anyone who is suffering from grief as a result of a severe loss.
    Both the bark and the flowers of albizia are used as a calming sedative in Oriental traditional medicine. Categorized in the Chinese Materia Medica as a calming spirit herb, the bark is thought to 'anchor' the spirit, while the flowers lighten it. The flowers have also been used for the treatment of insomnia, amnesia, sore throat, and contusion in Oriental traditional medicine (Kang, et al) as well as depression, melancholy and anxiety.
    Considering the proliferation of antidepressant drugs throughout the Western world with their increasingly recognized adverse effects, it's wonderful that nature has, in abundance, a safer and better alternative probably growing in close proximity to one's doorstep. In my opinion, albizia offers a more profound effect in treating depression and anxiety than the two most commonly promoted herbs, St Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) and Kava (Piper methisticum) and thus should be more widely used.

    (ref. Wikipedia)...
    The Mimosa SEEDS are also used as a food for livestock and by wildlife, and the sweet-scented flowers are a good nectar source for honeybees, humming birds and butterflies.

    As you can see it’s a very different perspective on what people usually recite about the Mimosa trees. (NOTE: As you read the information about the Mimosa tree you might want to compare it to this one “sneaky” yet popular example - I’ll give just one example since I‘m sure no one is really interested in reading the list I have compiled of other, invasive or “truly” non-native (per state) plants/trees that are favored and collected by many gardeners - in every state). Gymnocladus chinensis: The unroasted PODS and SEEDS of the Gymnocladus chinensis are toxic: Also, It is "NATIVE" to the Midwest of North America …The Midwestern United States, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, consists of 12 states... Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.) Just a side note…Tennessee is NOT on that list.

    Again, thanks to those of you who focused on trying to help me help the trees “I” love without adding condemnation.

  • davealju
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Scarediecats, I'm sorry to hear about your mimosas: I too have always loved them since I was a child, in fact it was mimosas that peaked my interest and love of gardening. You could try planting some in large tubs...but ONLY using a good potting soil, such as miracle grow, etc, and above all not using any soil from the yard, etc.. That would probably prevent them from getting the wilt (from which there is no cure) I have had some for years in tubs that do well and bloom too. If you do plant them that way though, you'll probably have to repot every couple years or so, well at least root prune a little to keep them in the same sized pot, and add new potting soil. I think that would be the best option for you as the fusarium wilt disease is pretty prevalent in the South. Actually, planting them in a tub is nice, because they wouldn't get as large and you can actually see the blossoms better and from up close!

    I hope this helps you. Good luck.

  • famartin
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Cultivar 'Union' is resistant to Fusarium, so Google says.

    I would like to see a case where Mimosa is pushing out climax vegetation; obviously it can have an effect on the non-climax species such as sumac. But if you get right down to it, sumac is "invasive" anyway, it just happens to be native.

  • brandon7 TN_zone7
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Scarediecats,

    I'm afraid you have made some very poor assumptions. My comments were not based on "feelings" unless you consider a general concern for our planet and its future as mere "feelings". If you had taken the time to review my link, you'd see that Albizia julibrissin is indeed on the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council's list of Severe Threat invasive plants. I have had enough dealings with that organization to know that their analysis is based very solidly on science. If one is aware of their surrounds on hikes or just driving down the road, just about anywhere in this state, there will be little room to doubt the existence of the problem.

    Your presumption that, since you don't see seedlings popping up on your property, your trees are not invasive highlights your lack of understanding of the problem. Unless you are monitoring a few square miles around your property, you have very little way to really judge the impact you may be having on the environment.

    One thing that you said is somewhat relative. Since the problem of mimosas is so severe here in Tennessee, your plants are the "drop in the ocean". Like throwing out your hamburger wrapper on a heavily littered road, your actions may be lost in the vastness of the issue. Whether that means your actions are less problematic, may be debatable; I can see a little of both sides of the argument.

    Believing that the nurseries that sell the trees are at fault is somewhat like blaming the fastfood restaurant where that wrapper, in the above example, came from for selling the burger in the fist place. As long as there are customers who either don't care, or who don't know better, and buy these plants, there will be someone somewhere willing to sell them.
    _______________________________

    I love Toronado's advice-on-the-best-smokes-in-the-healthcare-forum example. That's right on the money!
    _______________________________

    "But if you get right down to it, sumac is "invasive" anyway, it just happens to be native."

    Wow, that's one more oxymoronic statement (unless Famartin is using the term invasive completely different that the rest of us here).

  • poolecw
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I live near the Tenn/Georgia state line south of Chattanooga. These mimosa trees are all over the place. Now that I look for them, it seems like every other tree I pass on the road is one of these plants. I've even got an old one on my land. Its in rough shape so I will probably cut it down this fall. I didn't know they were invasive.

  • poolecw
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I live near the Tenn/Georgia state line south of Chattanooga. These mimosa trees are all over the place. Now that I look for them, it seems like every other tree I pass on the road is one of these plants. I've even got an old one on my land. Its in rough shape so I will probably cut it down this fall. I didn't know they were invasive.

  • jujujojo_gw
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I wonder why?

  • brandon7 TN_zone7
    10 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    "I wonder why (these mimosa trees are all over the place)?"

    Ya recon it could be because they're invasive?? Bet ya never saw that one coming.

  • clarashane
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kudos to you Scarediecats:
    for politely and firmly cherishing a creation of this earth enough to defend and care for it throughout it's life. PEOPLE : ANY plant can be invasive and a hazard to allergy sufferers. We live in an ecosystem, not a plastic bubble. You may do so if you please. If you haven't the care to help a fellow responsible gardener and simply filled with hate for their cherished choice of botany. Please, kindly shut up and complain on a relevant thread.

  • Mackel-in-DFW
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Huh? M

    This post was edited by Mackel-in-DFW on Wed, May 21, 14 at 1:29

  • Mackel-in-DFW
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Nevermind. M

    This post was edited by Mackel-in-DFW on Wed, May 21, 14 at 1:32

  • famartin
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    ummm... what?

  • j0nd03
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    One of those times I am glad I subscribed to updates by email because those two posts by Mackel were interesting!

  • ilovemytrees
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Now just wait a minute....

    There is absolutely no hate on this board! People like to carelessly throw that word around these days, calling anyone who says something that you disagree with as a "hater".

    You won't find a better board on the internet for finding more dedicated, thoughtful, sincere and helpful gardeners. I love this place! I have been helped so much, and believe me, they have tons of patience and compassion on here.

    But when someone comes on and mentions a plant that they know hurts other plants, do you expect them to bite their tongue and not give their opinion? You can't control people like that. People are people. There's all different kinds of personalities on here and you should be tolerant of all of them.

    I am appalled that anyone would describe the responses here as hate-filled. Good grief. How in the world does describing a plant as invasive rise to the level of hate?

    Getting back to the original post, if you look up Golden Raintree, you might find that they sort of look similar to the Mimosa, well, in my opinion. Look into planting them...I have one, and it's adorable. They're nearly pest-free, tolerant of all kinds of soils, wind tolerant, and grow pretty quickly. Their leaves are stunning....

    Good luck, and I am sorry for the loss of your trees. I lost 11 of my shrubs this winter, and I know how it feels.....

  • davealju
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    here is a picture of a mimosa that I've had for 21 years. I plant it in the ground in the Spring and dig it up and store it in the garage over the winter here in Portland, Me.

  • Pjchr2252
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    My tree almost died from the awful winter we had. Usually by this time of year it is blooming and the hummingbirds are all over it. We only have some small amounts of leaves growing on the main branches and trunk. The picture is one of it's residents from last year.Any suggestions? We planted it in 2002 from a small cutting and is now over 15 ft high. We love it and so do our neighbors. Very beautiful! We live in central Indiana.

  • brandon7 TN_zone7
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    It's a little amazing to me that people, like ClaraShane, try to "defend" actions or issues for which they next to no understanding. I see that so much these days, and it seems to me to be, by far, our number one problem as a civilization. Some worry about supervolcanoes, asteroid impacts, or mega tsunamis...I worry more about those that don't care enough to get a basic understanding of what they are talking about before jumping on the bandwagon.

  • fairfield8619
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The wilt has kept them down here, they used to be everywhere when I was a kid, now the Tallow trees have taken over and I am glad since our native trees have virtually no fall color. Come and get all Prunus carolina you want from my house since it is taking over, such a good native, maybe it and the native trumpet vine will strangle each other out. I hope. Where are all the pests and diseases to keep them in check? Apparently, now here. I spray it all with herbicide and have to do it repeatedly to keep it from taking over.

    Notice the people who dominate each forum, like brandon7 here, and ken_adrian on just about EVERY GW forum, click on their name and go to their page, you get a long diatribe about themselves, does that tell you something? Who is brandon to tell someone that they know next to nothing? Nothing but hatefulness. Check out digdirt on the tomato forum and the great poobah on the container forum- same thing. Of course, nobody beats ken_adrian, aka socrates, with 6626 IN TOTAL POST. It seems that ego is by far, our number one problem as a civilization. And using manners is the next.
    Go ahead brandon, let 'er rip, I KNOW you will have something to say, you always do.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Socrates

  • ilovemytrees
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You're not exactly a ray of sunshine either, fairfield8619.

  • arktrees
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    So how do you see post count? I'm curious to see my number.

    Arktrees

  • hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Great thread, thanks!

    Arktrees, do a search on your username and look at the count of the results.

  • poolecw
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I don't know why mimosas are said to be invasive. Mimosas are a pioneering species. And as such, they move forward preparing for the establishment of forest. They are nitrogen fixers. You see them where the land has been disturbed. For example, I see them by the thousands lining roads and highways around me. However, when I go into some of our nearby national forest land, I seldom see any.

    To say that mimosas are invasive is pure ignorance. Mother nature is simply trying to take disturbed land back to forest. Miimosas are simply part of that equation.

  • arktrees
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    poolecw,

    "For example, I see them by the thousands lining roads and highways around me." There's your answer. There are plenty of native species that would have occupied those locations but were displaced. That is what "invasive" IS by biological definition. You might want to reconsider your statement.

    With that said, there were many many mimosa growing wild where I grew up. I did not know they were not native. BUT there seems to be fewer in number and size. It would seem their pest may be winning at least in that area. Now other things are showing up instead.

    Arktrees

  • poolecw
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    If the roads and highways weren't built, then those mimosa lining them would not be there. Take a look at the population density of the mimosa near disturbed land and compare it to the population density of the mimosa in forest land. Like I said earlier, the mimosa is a pioneering species. It is a precursor to forest establishment. One a forest starts to develop in an area, the misosa will die out.

    I have not the time or desire to debate you about it. Call the tree what you may. I'm simply saying that they serve a purpose. You should read Bill Mollison's "Intro to Permaculture". He mentions the mimosa specifically.

  • arktrees
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    poolecw,
    By Biological Science, the "DEFINITION" of invasive fits exactly what you said in your own words. You stated "I don't know why mimosas are said to be invasive.", and I explain exactly how they are invasive. Whether you choose to accept the science or not, is another matter.

    Don't really care "I have not the time or desire to debate you about it". All that tells me is that you know you have been caught out. You don't agree, that's fine. You don't like it, that's fine. Mimosa is not going away as much as some may want them to gone. But you can get off your lofty horse now.

    Arktrees

  • fairfield8619
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You know ilovemytrees, when you allow people to act out with impunity, then you are part of the problem too.
    All I ask is for people to not be so nasty, disagreement is good and constructive, and to not be holier-than-thou cranks. Both brandon and ken consistently talk down to people like this is their own venue, even folks who come to GW for the first time looking for help. Apparently you find this acceptable, I do not and will call them down when I see it happening, although I will miss a lot of their nastiness since I do not get auto updates all the time like they do, I have other things to attend to rather than always being on GW all the time.

  • texan86
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Interesting that fairfield pleads for people to not be so nasty and then immediately takes a shot at Brandon and Ken for "not having anything better to do than post on gardenweb all the time..." I don't post much but I appreciate the input that Brandon and Ken provide because they seem to be two of the more well-informed posters on this site.

  • fairfield8619
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    texan86, "well-informed" huh? Just don't disagree with them or you will get it. The first time I visited the conifer forum way back when, ken was whining about about how people did not like him, he then succeeded in driving many away. I am not nasty to anyone, you will not hear me denigrate anyone like ken does. I'm not the first to have a problem with ken, but I'm almost the only one though who will call him out. And will continue to do so, if he can rant incessantly so can I.

  • texan86
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Fairfield, your posts are making you look like the one that is nasty and whiny. You talk poorly about someone, and in the next sentence you say that you don't denigrate anyone on here. Hmm...

  • fairfield8619
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    texan86, you really don't get it, only ken who is a crank and brandon who dominates and talks down to people as if this is HIS show, you sure don't have any problem whining, what's in it for you, why do you defend bad behavior? You are part of the problem.

  • ilovemytrees
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Fairfield, if you don't stop trolling (yes, trolling) this forum, I am going to report you. I am sick of you coming on here, for no other reason than to denigrate long-standing, generous members, of whom I've learned a great deal from. You then go on to label other members who disagree with you as a "problem". Additionally, I'm sure the moderators/owners of Gardenweb would be interested in reading how you mock someone's post count on their forums.

    I will no longer be responding to you, or to this thread.

  • lkz5ia
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    ilovemytrees -"Getting back to the original post, if you look up Golden Raintree, you might find that they sort of look similar to the Mimosa, well, in my opinion. Look into planting them...I have one, and it's adorable. They're nearly pest-free, tolerant of all kinds of soils, wind tolerant, and grow pretty quickly. Their leaves are stunning"

    and a nice thing about Golden raintree is they flower early in life and seed heavily and germinate readily, so you can start growing seedlings off yours in no time.

  • tracybritton
    8 years ago

    Oh my gosh, you guys. Calm down. A conversation can't be 'controlled'...that's what social media is all about. (Well, that and that whole pesky free speech thing.) Just take what you want, leave the rest and don't get your panties in a twist.

  • Marie Tulin
    8 years ago

    tracy, this post was a year old/ Inadvertedly you revived it. If no one else posts to it- then it will die and go away again, one hopes forever.

  • brandon7 TN_zone7
    8 years ago

    I think Tracy was trolling, Marie.


  • Erik Schubert
    8 years ago

    I will not read this entire thread. I read enough to get irritated by people commenting without giving advice. It has been writen that higj levels of nitrogen can help mimosas out grow the wilt. Get precise advice from a tree care specialist or experiment witj a lawn fertilizer at full strength. Just make sure it is not a weed and feed type..

  • Erik Schubert
    8 years ago

    Btw, every plant has been invasive before it naturalized.

  • brandon7 TN_zone7
    8 years ago

    "Btw, every plant has been invasive before it naturalized."

    Unfortunately, Erik, you couldn't be more wrong. Maybe you should try reading a little more to gain a better understanding of how things work and what people are saying.


  • David Braddock
    8 years ago

    Erik Schubert, do you have any Web sites on the high nitrogen statement? Very possible the fertilizers I am using may be part of my issues. Thanks

  • gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
    8 years ago

    LOL!! This is the most entertaining thread I've read in a long time :-) If ignorance is bliss, there are a LOT of blissfully happy people out there!!

  • wisconsitom
    8 years ago

    So I will commit the crime of reviving this sad parable of misinformation and misunderstanding. But wait! I've got a specific reason! So, let's say a commercial greenhouse was to acquire some seeds of Albizia julibrissan, whether cultivar or not, and start them in late winter/early spring under glass, as is usual with a wide range of tropical and subtropical species used in the ornamental market during summer. Let's say that these young plants were then used outdoors, during the summer only, as center plants in large containers. Let's further say that in no way are these plants intended to make it through the subsequent winter, instead being used in identical fashion to all the cannas, petunias, begonias et al of summer flower gardens everywhere, as "annuals". My question then is, how soon do you all think these plants would come into bloom from a greenhouse start?

    The genesis of this line of questioning is the almost unbelievably successful usage of the related (also in Fabaceae) "popcorn cassia" in the fashion outlined above, as a centerpiece to a mixed, large planter during the growing season. These cassias have been in bloom continuously since early summer, show no signs of stopping, and have neat-looking compound, locust-like foliage to boot. Just outstanding plants when used as I describe, up here in the north.

    I do realize that many, if not all of you will have no clue how fast these things would come into bloom when greenhouse-grown. But it sure works well with the related popcorn cassia. As such, I would love to find a complimentary tropical (or tropical-looking) plant to treat the same way, but with obviously, a different color scheme, the cassias of course having bright yellow flowers.

    Any thoughts? Even if you're not sure, I'd appreciate any commentary offered. And yes, I do realize, this is taking the usual focus of the "Trees" board in an unusual direction.

    +oM

  • dtustin66
    7 years ago

    we have tried to grow mimosa trees near a black walnut tree without sucesss. I think the black walnut trees may be killing our spruce trees as well. The black walnut tree has probably been there for 60-100 years. Anyone have any thoughts? The mimosa tree is not listed as one of the trees that do not tolerate black walnuts but I think the toxins affect the mimosa within 1-3 years and then die....

  • brandon7 TN_zone7
    7 years ago

    Dtustin66, IMO you REALLY REALLY should start your own thread for answers to your question. This one is not about the same topic, it's a fairly old thread, and it's got to much "baggage".

  • granny6033
    7 years ago

    @scarediecats,. I found this on the web. I live in a neighboring state, Ohio, and thought I'd look up about my sister beautiful mimosa. (Bark is falling off) enjoy . Native to Iran and China, mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) was first introduced in the United States in the 1780s. Since then, the tree has spread throughout warm, mild regions. In fact, in some places, it is regarded as a weed because the seeds prolifically self-sow. Mimosa doesn't grow well in northern climates, but is well-adapted to mild coastal zones. Cold injuries, though not impossible, are rare here.

    Cold Injury

    Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, mimosa can tolerate more cold than many trees growing in Mediterranean climates. In fact, cold injury is rare in these regions. However, a sudden, prolonged freeze can cause damage. Twigs and branches turn brown and die back. In extreme cases, the entire tree might die back. Occasionally, the trees' trunks develop cracks, caused by alternating periods of cold and warm temperatures. Sunscald occurs when the harsh winter sun damages the bark of young trees, causing brown or sunken patches on the trunk. These problems are rare in mimosas planted in mild climates.

    Prevention and Treatment

    Although you can't prevent frost damage in all cases, a few precautions can minimize the risk. Trees stressed by drought, poor soil or disease are more vulnerable to frost injury. Proper growing conditions can help trees weather cold temperatures. Growing trees in a protected area near a house or other trees can also help. Mimosa trees should never be fertilized in late summer. Fertilizing encourages new growth, prone to frost damage. If a tree does sustain injury, the best course is to prune back the branches to remove damage. Dead branches can be identified in one of two ways. Branches that fail to produce new growth in the spring are likely dead. Live branches will have soft, green material if you scrape away a bit of the bark. but dead branches are hard and brown. Make clean cuts one-quarter inch above an outward-facing bud to encourage new growth.

    Disease

    Frost damage is rare in coastal regions. Disease is the more likely culprit of injury or death to the mimosa tree. One disease, in particular, fusarium wilt, commonly infects mimosas. Yellowing leaves or early defoliation is the first symptom. As the disease progresses, the bark cracks and branches die back. Sometimes, the tree oozes a foul-smelling white or yellow foam. Eventually, the entire tree perishes. Unfortunately, no cure is available for this lethal disease, but prompt removal can prevent its spread.

    Distinguishing Between Disease and Cold Injury

    Because treatments vary, depending on the cause of the injury, it's important to distinguish between frost and disease damage. Frost damage occurs suddenly after a cold snap, while damage from disease usually progresses over several months or even years. Symptoms from frost damage occur primarily in the winter; disease damage is often most evident in the summer and fall.