Mimosa: princess of late winter

Wild mimosa lights up the dark woods of late February and early March; hybrid versions form perfect tree shapes in suburban gardens. It almost always survives the harsh winds and bitter cold. There are many varieties, including one with pink flowers but I have seen only the yellow.

It is bitterly cold today, the blue sky is gone and in another hour or two, I might be able to do this same branch frosted with snow.