Magnolia Ave. opposite Yankee Pier.

Several plants in the genus Acacia carry the common name “Mimosa”. The tree that we call Bailey acacia is one of them. Others are Acacia dealbata and Acacia podalyriifolia. All three look very similar with feathery foliage and clusters of fragrant yellow blossoms. In Italy it is a tradition that women take to the streets on March 8th in celebration of International Women’s Day “Festa de la Donna” carrying boughs of Mimosa.

Bailey acacia is evergreen and flowers in February. It is native to Australia and is known to naturalize there, so  it’s best grown in locations that do not abut wild lands.