Mimosa

After a week's absence, I arrived back in the Shire 

to find that the mimosa trees are in full bloom.

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There are many things to love about a mimosa tree.

One is the fern-like bi-pinnate leaves that open in the morning

and close at twilight. 

Another is the mimosa's bright pink flowers,

which remind me of fluffy marabou feathers. 

And there are the long seed pods and the graceful bend of its branches.

Photo, Beth Backes

From a distance, the mimosa trees look very fuzzy:

Photo, Beth Backes

Alas, mimosa trees are another species considered invasive.

According to the University of Florida, mimosa trees have been grown in the US

since 1745 when some stock made its way from China.

Invasive or not, 

I can't imagine summer without their bright pink puffs.

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