RNGR.net is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and Southern Regional Extension Forestry and is a colloborative effort between these two agencies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service Southern Regional Extension Forestry Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Mimosa (strigillosa)

Melinda Brakie
Soil Conservationist
USDA NRCS - East Texas Plant Materials Center
6598 FM 2782
Nacogdoches, Texas 75964
(936) 564-4873
(936) 552-7924 (fax)
Melinda.Brakie@tx.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/etpmc
Family Scientific Name: Fabaceae
Family Common Name: Pea family
Scientific Name: Mimosa strigillosa Torr. and A. Gray
Common Name: Powderpuff or herbaceous mimosa
Species Code: MIST2
Ecotype: Originally collected in east Texas (Houston County, Texas along the Trinity River)
General Distribution: M. strigillosa is a warm season legume found from east Texas to Florida. It grows on open, somewhat sandy areas.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: Container plugs
Time To Grow: 4 Months
Target Specifications: Plug container seedling. Root system: Firm plug which leaves no soil when pulled from container cell.
Propagule Collection: Seed is combine harvested at the USDA-NRCS East Texas Plant Materials Center production field. Plants bloom in June and seed is harvested in July. Multiple harvests are possible in a single growing season if plants receive adequate rainfall or supplementary irrigation water.
Propagule Processing: Seed is run through a 2 screen scalper to remove excess stems and leaves. The processed material is then air dried. Next the seed is cleaned with a 3 screen air cleaner with dual air adjustments. Seed storage: in woven polyester bags and stored in a cooler at approximately 50F/50% humidity.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seed is mechanically scarified with a Westrup laboratory brush machine or Forsberg sample seed scarifier lined with P100 to 150 grit sandpaper. When using the Forsberg, scarify the seed for approximately 5 seconds. The Westrup laboratory brush machine settings include medium stiff bristles, heavy sandpaper lined mantle and brush machine control speed set at 4. The exit gate opening is approximately 1/4". Damage from heat or friction is possible if seed is left too long in the brush machine. When viewed under a microscope, the scarified seedcoat should be lightly scratched, not broken or cracked.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Propagation Environment: Greenhouse with temperature set at 74F, with natural day length. Seed Propagation Method:Seed maybe hand or mechanically sown in germination trays. Container Type and Volume: Seed is sown into Hiko HV93 plug trays (cavity volume: 5.7 in. or 93 ml). Seed is sown into a 1:1 soilless mixture of Promix BX and Sunshine rediearth. Use only media to cover seeds. If vermiculite or other light material is used, emerging seedlings will push themselves out and expose their roots.
Establishment Phase: Sowing Date: February depending upon the outplanting date. At sowing, inoculate scarified seed with rhizobium inoculant for Mimosa sp. from Plant Probiotics, Indianapolis, Indiana. Emergence and Date: Emergence of seedlings should begin within a week of sowing. The majority of seed emergence is completed in 2 weeks. Keep planting media moist, but not wet.
Active Growth Phase: Rapid Growth Phase: Emerged seedlings will first grow dicot leaves. Then the first stem emerges from the center of the dicot leaves and begins growing true leaves. Afterward the seedling produces more stems as it matures. A small amount of Osmocote Smart Release Plant Food (14-14-14) pellets are applied to each container cell shortly after seedling emergence.
Hardening Phase: Two to three weeks before outplanting, plants are moved outdoors to a shade house and watering is reduced.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Harvest Date: Plugs are usually ready for outplanting 12 to 14 weeks after seedlings emerge. Storage Conditions:n/a Plugs are seeded in late winter and outplanted the same spring.
Length of Storage: n/a
Other Comments: Uninnoculated seedlings lag behind in vigor and exhibit yellowish tinted leaves. Seedling emergence is approximately 50% or greater, therefore thinning of seedlings may be needed.
References: Diggs, G.M., B. Lipscomb and R. O'Kennon, 1999. Shinner and Mahler's Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Ft. Worth, Texas.

Nuruddin, A.A. and M. Chang. 1999. Responses of herbaceous mimosa(Mimosa strigillosa), a new reclamation species to soil pH. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 27:287-298.

Citation:

Shadow, Alan; Brakie, Melinda; Woody, Michael. 2013. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Mimosa strigillosa Torr. and A. Gray plants Container plugs; USDA NRCS - East Texas Plant Materials Center Nacogdoches, Texas. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/02). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.