Mimosa Tree

By SkeeterI had planned to continue talking about seeds today as a follow up to Tuesdays post. I have changed my mind and will be talking about a tree instead. I have been finding more and more of these seedlings in my Georgia garden this summer. I usually spot a few here and there but this year, they are all over my Wishing Well Garden. This area is a prime route for birds heading to my feeders in the backyard. I assume, they are the planters of the seeds. I usually just pluck the weeds and toss them. I have always thought them to resemble a Mimosa Tree but not sure of their identity. One started growing in what I considered a great spot for something tall. So I have decided to let the seedling grow and see what happens. My grandmother had a beautiful Mimosa Tree in her front yard. As a child I would climb that small tree and had so much fun in it while playing Monkey. I remember the beautiful foliage of the tree being so exotic looking. I also remember the long Bean Pods she produced filled with seeds. And the sticky but beautiful and sweet smelling scent to the fluffy pink flowers it shared with us.
I did a bit of research on Mimosa trees (also known as Silk Trees) and think I have one now growing in my garden! I found a site (Click HERE) that tells how invasive they can be in some areas.
I really do like where this one is growing as it will balance out this garden. The tall Canna to the right and the Mimosa to the left of the walkway path in the middle. With growth will come shade though and I am not sure the Canna would like the shade. The plants around the Mimosa are things which can easily be moved elsewhere. The Banana Tree was to be the focal point of this side of the planter but as you can see, she is not growing tall this year. I do have another Banana on the other side of the planter which is doing well.
She is growing quickly so I must decide if I want this tree to remain or become another victim to the compost pile. She is already taller then the swing frame and growing more each day.
The above picture was snapped on Aug 2...
This above picture, was snapped yesterday Aug 18. She has really grown in 2 weeks. Should I let this Mimosa grow and be a tree or just pull the thing up before she starts giving me a mess? I do know they are messy. Do you think she would shade the Canna or the Swing Vines too much or be okay where that is concerned? The Swing is West while the Mimosa is towards the East. This entire planter runs East and West. I would really like to hear what you all have to say on this matter. I would love to keep her for my childhood memories but I am not sure I want this MIMOSA TREE, In the Garden...

Note: There's some interesting talk on the comments about whether this is a Mimosa, Cassia, Hemp or Locust tree. I cannot decide so I will let her grow a bit longer and see what happens with this mystery tree... I love a good mystery, don't you?

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team,In the Garden