Sensitive Plant
Mimosa pudica
Also listed as Eburnax pudica
Also known as Touch-me-not, Shame Plant, Sleepy Plant
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical perennial known for its remarkable leaflets that fold inward when touched, returning to normal after several minutes. Produces delicate pink pom-pom-like flowers and thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
Why grow it
Mimosa pudica offers ornamental value through its distinctive rapid leaflet closure response to touch, a trait absent in most common ornamentals and useful for educational demonstrations. The delicate pink flowers provide visual interest in warm-season gardens. Compared to other tropical perennials, it requires minimal maintenance once established in appropriate climates, though it is less cold-hardy than many subtropical alternatives.
Watch out for
This plant performs best with consistent warmth and may struggle or decline during cooler seasons in temperate regions. Container-grown specimens can become leggy without adequate light, requiring pruning to maintain shape. The plant's dramatic movement response, while visually interesting, can diminish with repeated handling or if environmental conditions become stressful.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
South America
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tropical perennial known for its remarkable leaflets that fold inward when touched, returning to normal after several minutes. Produces delicate pink pom-pom-like flowers and thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sensitive Plant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mimosa pudica offers ornamental value through its distinctive rapid leaflet closure response to touch, a trait absent in most common ornamentals and useful for educational demonstrations. The delicate pink flowers provide visual interest in warm-season gardens. Compared to other tropical perennials, it requires minimal maintenance once established in appropriate climates, though it is less cold-hardy than many subtropical alternatives.
Watch out for
This plant performs best with consistent warmth and may struggle or decline during cooler seasons in temperate regions. Container-grown specimens can become leggy without adequate light, requiring pruning to maintain shape. The plant's dramatic movement response, while visually interesting, can diminish with repeated handling or if environmental conditions become stressful.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
South America
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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