Sensitive Brier seeds
This member of the mimosa plant family is similar to the mimosa pudica with some significant differences. The Sensative Brier (mimosa nuttallii) has the same leaf habits that retract and curl when touched, but the stems of this variety are semi wood, and almost shrub-like. This variety of mimosa is a trailing variety with vines reaching 4 feet in length and a heights of 1-2 feet. The sensitive leaves are attached to 6-8 separate groupings on either side of the stems instead of the mimosa pudica where there are clusters of 3-5 leaves on the tip of each stem.
Sensitive Brier works well as a ground cover as well as providing much needed shade to bees during hot summer days. The blooms also produce generous amounts of necter for bees and butterflies to eat. Unlike it's cousin the mimosa pudica, the Sensitive Brier needs to be planted somewhere where it's 3-6 foot taproot can be accommodated. These do well planted directly in the ground or raised beds. These can be grown in containers with limited results depending on how far the taproot can reach.
Seed count: 50
Botanic name:
Mimosa nuttallii
Plant spacing:
18-20 inches
Color:
Dark green with light purple flowers
Sowing depth:
1/8 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Besides being a fun novelty plant to grow, this variety acts as an effective ground cover while providing a much needed shady enviornment for hard working bees to rest in during hot summer days. The blooms also provide ample amounts of necter for butterflies and bees to eat.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
90-120 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
Nuttall's Sensitive-Briar, Catclaw Brier, Sensitive Brier, Bashful Brier, Devils Shoelace, & Shy Boy