Procumbent semiwoody vine. Stems and petioles with recurved prickles. Leaves twice-pinnate with many small leaflets, usually folding when touched or disturbed. Flowers in small round heads on long peduncles; stamens long, with pink or rose-colored filaments. Legumes round in cross-section, 3-7 cm (1.2-2.8 in) long, densely prickly. Flowers and fruits appear from June to September.
Distribution: Great Plains southeast to Alabama.
NWI status: none
Habitat: Prairies, roadsides, disturbed areas.
Comment: Mimosa is from the Greek word mimos ("to mimic"), referring to the animal-like movement of the leaves of some species in response to touch; nuttallii honors Thomas Nuttall, an English botanist who lived in the United States for many years.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/14/99
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