What constitutes a native plant? How long does a plant have to be in a place before it is considered native...? These are all questions I ask myself as I walk and drive around Georgia. On my travels through the south, I see many plants considered "invasive exotics". From the ever-present Chinese privet to the monster engulfing kudzu, probably a majority of plants I encounter are exotic. But many of these plants have been here a long, long time. In my mind, they've achieved a certain cultural significance, and thus are a part of our heritage.
One such plant is the silktree or mimosa. Though it originated in Asia, mimosa trees are about as southern as fried okra. According to Wikipedia, silktree was first introduced into North America in the mid 18th C., and as we learn that evolution acts quicker than we previously thought, it seems obvious to me that ecological interactions have had enough time to develop. Of course, this is just my instinct, so take it as you will... I should also mention that Albizia julibrissin usually invades disturbed areas and rarely colonizes mature forests.
This is the time of the year you'll notice it. I usually spot the puffy pink flowers while driving. It seems happiest in the margins or forest edges. In recent decades Albizia julibrissin has been in decline. The main culprit is a fungal pathogen called Fusarium, and it causes dieback of the stems, sometimes resulting in total death of the plant. However, they do usually grow large enough to reproduce, and it is still common to find seedlings. In fact, if you plant the pink silk tree, you will find yourself forever pulling up seedlings. I'd urge against it.
So this is a plant I typically enjoy from the roadside. Its puffy-pink flowers are unmistakable and intrinsically southern. It also provides a feast for early summer bees and butterflies. And while I wouldn't recommend planting one, I do value the beauty and diversity it adds to our region.
Photos are from NCSU, and Wikipedia.
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