*Scientific name: Mimosa strigillosa
*Growth habit: A quick growing evergreen, perennial groundcover producing 6 inch tall and several foot wide plantings. The leaves are fernlike in appearance, medium to dark green and grow to 4 inches long and half as wide. The leaves close when touched thus another common name, sensitive plant.
*Light: Plant in full sun to light shade
*Water needs: Keep moist until established. Thereafter seasonal rains normally provide adequate moisture
*Feedings: Apply a light feeding with a general landscape fertilizer once in March, June and August if needed for growth. Most plantings do not need regular feedings.
*Propagation: Start new plants from cuttings and seeds.
*Hardiness: Hardy; some bronzing or light die-back may be noted after severe freezes.
*Major problems: Chewing insects including the larva stage of a butterfly may cause light damage but are normally tolerated.
*Pruning: Plantings can be mowed if needed to provide attractive beds after winter damage or periods of uneven growth. Edging is needed to keep plants in bounds and produce attractive borders.
*Uses: Use as a turf substitute and groundcover in hot and dry to normal landscape locations. Plants set several feet apart can fill a site in two growing seasons. Pink to lavender flowers are produced above the foliage April though September.
*Florida native: Yes.
