Mimosa, or Acacia dealbata is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae and subfamily Mimosoideae. It is a tree or shrub, commonly referred to as mimosa.
The tree is native to Australia and was later introduced to Europe.
In France, they are found in the Mediterranean basin and on the Atlantic coast.
How did mimosa arrive on the Côte d’Azur?
It was the French navigator Nicolas Baudin who brought the first living plants to Europe. Arriving in France between 1800 and 1804, they were acclimatized in the gardens of the Château de Malmaison, then the home of Joséphine de Beauharnais. They were planted in the 19th century, probably during the Second Empire, for the production of cut flowers, on the Côte d’Azur which offered a climate favorable to its development, thanks to its sunshine and the rarity of frosts. The species thrives in dry and siliceous soils.
Mimosa and artists
Several of Matisse’s works deal with mimosa, due to his move to Nice. In particular: Still Life with Mimosas on a Black Background, 1944, oil on canvas and Mimosa, 1949-1951, the only carpet that Matisse designed (500 copies).
Mimosa and the Côte d’Azur
The mimosa, a true emblem of the winter flowers of the Côte d’Azur, dazzles us with its unique yellow color that brightens up our winter during the many flower battles that take place in February: the flower battle of the Nice Carnival, the Villefranche-sur-Mer naval parade, etc. Not forgetting the many mimosa festivals.
Every year, we enjoy the Mimosa Route, which begins in Bormes-les-Mimosas (83), where the superb Mimosalia festival is held at the end of January. Passing through Tanneron, the festival is in full swing with its wonderful floats. Finally, in the Alpes-Maritimes, don’t miss the Mimosa festivals in Pégomas, Biot and especially Mandelieu.
We love seeing the hills take on their yellow coat, scenting our sunny winter walks.
We also have a company run by Guilhem Codera www.terroir-06.fr which cultivates and manufactures organic products with our mimosa: mimosa preserve, jelly, mimosa honey, etc.
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