Form: This is a short tree only reaching a maximum height of 20 ft.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate; bi-pinnately compound

Shape: boat shaped with a mucrose tip

Margin: entire

Texture: glabrous

Bark: The bark is thin, greenish-gray in color and is covered in lenticels.

Twigs and buds: Twigs have 3-lobed leaf scars and lack a terminal bud.

Flowers and fruit: The flowers resemble powder-puffs and they bloom in summer. Mimosa produces light brown legumes in fall.

Distinguishing characteristics: The rachis is green and glabrous. Look for a bi-pinnately compound leaf with leaflets that are only 10-15 mm long.

Range: It is native to Asia.

Silvics: Mimosa is intolerant of shade and is typically found growing on dry uplands and/or mesic soils.

Ecological and cultural importance: It is widely used as an ornamental.