Ernst Benary® Inc.
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Mimosa pudica
Plant Common Name
Action Plant, Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not
General Description
Best known for its fern-like leaves that quickly fold when touched, sensitive plant is a wonder of the plant world. A semi-woody tropical native of Brazil, it is often short-lived and most popularly grown as a unique bedding annual or groundcover. In addition to fine foliage, it has a low, sprawling habit and produces pinkish powder puff blooms in summer.
The feathery compound leaves of this true mimosa are bright to grey green and comprised of densely lined tiny leaflets. The unusual leaves are very sensitive to light and movement and fold up at the lightest touch or when nighttime falls. This trigger-fast action is actually caused by trigger cells, called pulvini, which cause the leaflets to protectively fold in like a fan. The leaves are held on prickly reddish brown stems that branch out and sprawl. In the warmth of summer, puffy rosy pink flowers appear. These are pollinated by hummingbirds and insects. The fruits that follow are small, flat, brown, bristled pods that cling to animal fur or clothing.
Grow sensitive plant in full or partial sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It will tolerate rocky, nutrient-poor soils but requires even moisture through the growing season to thrive. Drier conditions can be offered in winter when active growth slows. If grown as an annual, sensitive plant easily adapts and prospers in standard summer garden conditions. Container specimens should be grown in bright light and provided well-drained pots and regular water.
The interest in growing sensitive plant is more for its unique movement than beauty, though it does make an interesting tropical groundcover or hanging basket specimen. It's also the perfect children's garden plant. No child can resist touching sensitive plant.
This species has been introduced to tropical regions across the world where it's considered invasive.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H2
-
Plant Type
Tender Perennial
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
-
Height
1'-5' / 0.3m - 1.5m
-
Width
16"-36" / 40.6cm - 91.4cm
-
Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
-
Native To
Brazil
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Pink, Rose, Lavender
-
Fruit Color
Brown
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Fine
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Bark Texture
Smooth
-
Usage
Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
-
Invasive
Sometimes
-
Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
-
Self-Sowing
Yes
