Here in the Sonoran Desert, Velvetpod Mimosa or Gatuno (Mimosa dysocarpa) blooms in the summer after the start of the summer monsoon rains in July.

These native shrubs with their masses of fluffy, pink flowers are incredibly beautiful when in full bloom.

Velvetpod Mimosas have cylindrical flower spikes that look like bottle brushes. Their usually pink flowers can vary in color, even on the same plant, from pinkish white to deep magenta. The flowers are followed by velvety bean pods, which is how they get their official common name, Velvetpod Mimosa. Their other common name, Gatuno (feline), refers to the wicked, cat claw-like thorns on their branches.