Mimosa Tree Diseases: Focus on Fusarium Wilt

Overview

The mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin), native to China, arrived in the U.S. in 1745 as an ornamental. Now considered invasive in Florida, it adapts to diverse soils, resprouts after cutting, and spreads by seed. Fusarium wilt is the primary disease causing tree death.

Fusarium Wilt Details

Found from New York southward plus Arkansas, California, Louisiana. Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. perniciosum. Fungus clogs vascular tissue, blocking sap flow. Once infected, trees decline and die rapidly.

Symptom Progression

• Undetectable early stage: Brown streaking in vascular tissue only visible if branch is cut
• Noticeable symptoms: Yellow, stunted, wilted leaves appearing early to midsummer; affected branches defoliate completely; spreads through canopy
• Bark symptoms: Cracking bark with white, fermented-smelling ooze

Control Options

No cure exists once infected. Dead trees can be replaced with non-susceptible species (fungus persists 2 years in soil). Resistant cultivars: 'Charlotte', 'Tryon', 'Union'.