Mimosa Tree
The Mimosa tree, Albizzia julibrissin, sometimes called Silk tree, was introduced to the United States in 1745 for use as an ornamental plant because of its unusual, attractive and fragrant pom-pom like flowers and interesting fern-like foliage. This deciduous tree is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. In gardens this tree grows to 20–30'. Mimosa trees are fast-growing but rather short-lived. It has a single trunk with smooth gray bark. Each bipinnate leaf is made up of hundreds of tiny leaflets coated in white hairs, giving the foliage a silvery cast. In late winter or spring the domed crown is decked in sprays of small, globular, golden yellow flower heads. It is able to survive winter in southern U. S. , but flowers better in climates with a longer, drier summer. ... more
Black Cottonwood The Black Cottonwood, 'Populus trichocarpa', is the largest of the American poplars. It is also known also as balsam cottonwood, western balsam poplar, and California poplar. The Black Cottonwood prefers moist sites. Many kinds of wildlife use the foliage, twigs, and buds for food, and the tree is planted for shade and in windbreaks and shelterbelts. Its dark green leaves contrast beautifully with its white trunk. This tree will become more drought tolerant when it is established. The leaf buds, as they swell in the spring, and the young leaves have a pleasing fragrance of balsam. The fragrance is especially pronounced as the leaves unfold.
