Pictured here is Mimosa strigillosa which is a member of the Pea and Bean family (Fabaceae). Powderpuff is the common name most folks remember because the pretty pink blossoms look like a ball of fluff. In this picture, you can see various stages of the Powderpuff flower from the youngest in the bottom left to the oldest, top right. Also, this specimen has recently been rained on; so like anything frilly, water can ruin the image by clumping things together. In the bottom of the photograph just right of center, a nymphal stage of a Katydid is visible.
Powderpuffs are relatives of the mimosa and their compound leaves resemble those found on trees like Mimosa and Mesquite. Powderpuffs are sometimes called sensitive briar because the leaflets will fold together if you rub their surface. Beware, because their other name is Catsclaw and you can see the recurved thorns along the stems that will tear your flesh if you are not careful.
The second picture shows a drier portion of the same plant and a selection of flowers in various stages of their lifecycle. Powderpuffs are perennial plants that stay green all year. Their compound leaves are bipinnate which means they have two leaflets at the tip of the leaf instead of one. These drought tolerant plants flower from March to August and will produce ground hugging stems that can be an annoyance because of the thorns. But, they make good ground cover for dry sandy areas and are low maintenance.
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