Mimosa Tree: How to Grow and Use
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Angela Hoffort
Posted on: October 10, 2007
I just purchased some Mimosa Tree seeds from
Richters. I can't find
any information about it in the Richters Information
section or the Q&A
section. What can you tell me about growing this
tree, as well as using it?
Mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin), also known as Persian Silk Tree, is a
small deciduous tree from Asia that is now cultivated as an ornamental
in the United States. It is hardy in zones 7-9. It flowers from July to
August; the flowers look like bunches of white hairs tinged with purple.
A photo of a flowering branch can be seen at:
http://caliban.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/mavica/high/2500/02133.html
The tree requires well-drained soil in full sun. Dry soils are ideal
because overly moist and fertile soils make the plant more frost tender.
High pH, drought and high winds are okay. Like other legumes it can fix
nitrogen. Where the plant is not hardy it can be grown as a summer
bedding plant.
The seeds have a hard seed coat that slows germination. Soak the seeds
overnight in water to soften the seed coat, or scarify the coat by
rubbing with coarse sandpaper; germination takes 2-3 months otherwise.
Sow indoors in pots or flats March or April. Transplant seedlings into
pots when seedlings are large enough to handle. Grow in a greenhouse the
first winter until plants are well enough established to plant out the
following spring outdoors. Protect the first 1-2 winters outdoors.
The flowers and bark are medicinal. They are used for the treatment of
insomnia, anxiety, irritability and depression. Recent studies have
focussed on the effects of aqueous extracts on 5-hydroxytryptamine
receptors in the brain that are linked to anxiety.
In North America liquid extracts or tinctures made with the flowers are
commonly used. In China patent formulas in pill form are used. A tea
made from the flowers or bark can also be taken. According to American
herbalist Roy Upton, the typical dosage is 3-6 grams (dry weight)
equivalent taken daily in either a powder, tea or tincture form.
According to Upton and several other therbalists, there are no known
adverse effects of taking mimosa at recommended doses.
For more information please see Robert Newman's posting in the Chinese
Herbs forum:
http://www.richters.com/newdisplay.cgi?page=./QandA/Chinese/20040519-3.html
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