Species sensitive brier
ball-shaped, small, purple flower with tiny, thread-like, purple petals, and  brown stem

sensitive brier

Mimosa quadrivalvis

Sensitive brier is a member of the Mimosa genus of plants native to North America. The plant grows in a variety of forms and sizes, from low shrubs to tall bushes. Its spiny foliage consists of bipinnate, alternate leaves that are 4-6 inches in length. The delicate white flowers and bright yellow compound pods of the sensitive brier make this plant a desirable addition to a garden. The stems, leaves, and pods are all covered in short green hairs, giving it a velvety texture. This plant is aptly named because the leaves fold up when touched, or “shiver”, similar to other Mimosa plants. As an added bonus, sensitive brier has a number of medicinal uses, and provides habitats for beneficial insects.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 12

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

red,yellow,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The sensitive brier plant requires regular watering every 7-10 days, and just enough water to wet the soil should be given each time. This drought-tolerant plant can handle short periods of drought, but extended periods of drought can negatively affect its growth and health. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the time of year and the temperature, but a good rule of thumb is to give 1 to 2 inches of water per watering session. Additionally, if the soil is dry an inch or more deep, then it is time to water the sensitive brier.

sunlight

The Sensitive Brier prefers sunny locations with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Morning sunlight is best so that it has plenty of time to absorb the light before the heat of the afternoon. The plant should typically receive at least 4 hours of direct sun in the mornings with additional indirect light in the afternoons. Sensitive Brier prefers partial shade when temperatures are higher than 85°F and in areas with bright sun all day.

pruning

The sensitive brier (Mimosa quadrivalvis) should have minimal pruning as it grows quickly and can be invasive. If pruning is needed, it should be done in late winter to early spring, as new growth typically begins during March. Be careful not to remove more than 1-third of the branches in a single pruning session. Additionally, avoid pruning too late in the spring and summer as this can disrupt the flowering of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mimosa quadrivalvis typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Mimosa quadrivalvis typically begins in late June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map