Mimosa bush

• Rounded shrub or small tree 3–5m tall.
• Branches are usually greyish-brown with prominent white spots, grow in a zigzag shape.
• Leaves are pure green or sometimes yellowish green, ferny, with 1–6 pairs of leaf 'branches' each with 5–20 pairs of narrow, rounded leaflets 4–8mm long.
• Thorns are paired at base of each leaf, up to 10cm long.
• Flowers are ball-shaped, about 1cm wide, golden yellow to orange, grow on stalks.
• Pods are dark brown or black, woody at maturity, with seeds embedded in pith.

• Prefers dry localities, and loamy or sandy soils.
• Forms thickets along watercourses.
• Withstands drought well, readily eaten by stock, has good regrowth after grazing.

• Widespread in Queensland.

• Flowers autumn to early summer.

Economic

• Forms thorny thickets that hinder mustering and stock access to water.

• Spread by movement of seed.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Herbicide control

Basal bark spray

• For stems up to 15cm in diameter, carefully spray completely around base of plant to 30cm above ground level. Thoroughly spray into all crevices. Larger trees may be controlled by spraying to greater height, up to 100cm above ground level.
• Best time for treatment is during autumn when plants are actively growing and soil moisture is good.

Cut stump treatment

• At any time of year, cut stems off horizontally as close to ground as possible. Immediately (within 15 seconds) swab cut surface with herbicide mixture.

Bore drains

• Seek technical advice on options for treating channels such as bore drains.

Read the Mimosa bush fact sheet (PDF, 4.8MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

• Mimosa bush is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
• Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Mimosa bush certain species. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.