Mimosa Species, Cat's Claw, Nuttall's Sensitive Briar

This plant appeared unexpectedly in my native plants bed (raised bed, almost full sun, somewhat acid sand) in April, 2010, and soon cover...Read Moreed the deer netting to a height of 6 feet, many of its vines far exceeding the 2 - 4' length expected. It is an attractive plant, but requires a post or frame to climb up, as otherwise it is impossible to weed, prune, or plant anything within reach of its vicious little claws.

Now, mid-April in its second year, the plant has thicker vines, larger claws, and more leaves. The leaves' sensitivity to touch seems heightened, too; I have never seen a plant react so quickly,

Catclaw sensitive brier is a particularly accurate descriptive common name due to the shape of it's briers and sensitive nature of it's l...Read Moreeaves. This bloom makes quite an impression when first seen and identified. This plant is found in nearly all prairies. Common in sandy or gravelly soils. Often found associated with acid soils.