Mimosa brevispicata
Care, watering, light and tips for Mimosa brevispicata on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Mimosa brevispicata
Mimosa brevispicata, commonly known as cat's claw, is a thorny shrub from the Fabaceae family, native to South America. It is characterized by its small, bipinnate leaves that fold upon touch and its delicate pink or white spherical flower heads. It is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, as a defensive hedge, or for erosion control in arid areas.
Native range
Northwestern Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay
Care tips
It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, even sandy or poor ones. It is very drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse, avoiding waterlogging which can rot its roots. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this species. It tolerates pruning well to maintain its shape or control its growth.
How to save a dying Mimosa brevispicata
- Warning signs
- Leaves not closing at night or wilting during the day, soft or dry stems, no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, repot with fresh soil. Prune dry branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot or total lack of water, prolonged frost exposure or dense shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and green stems remain. It's resilient.