Silk Tree {Albizia julibrissin} Exotic Ornamental | Bonsai | 30 Pre-Stratified seeds | Free U.S. Shipping!

 

The Silk Tree is a fast-growing, small to medium size, deciduous tree. 

It typically is found along roadsides, grasslands, vacant lots,

 clearings, or flood plain areas. The tree has a broad crown and may 

have single or multiple trunks. Its height typically ranges from 10-50 

feet and width spread 20-50 feet.  In 2006 a Silk Tree was found that 

measured 64 feet high and had a width spread of 80.4 feet. The tree 

tolerates summer heat, and its flowers prefer full sun. The limbs of 

the tree are weak and may be damaged by strong winds, snow, and ice. 

It is a short-lived tree with an average life span is 30 years. The 

leaves are fern-like in appearance and are very sensitive. The 

leaflets will close when touched and at nighttime. It blooms from May 

to July. The fragrant flowers appear to be pompom-like clusters of 

silky pink threads and measure about 1.5 inches long.  Bees, 

butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to this flowering tree. 

The fruits are flattened legumes and contain 5 to 16 seeds. The fruits 

first appear in June and typically mature from August to September. 

The seeds are easily dispersed by the wind, water, or by animals. 

 

Common Name Persian silk tree, silk tree, pink silk tree, mimosa tree

Botanical Name Albizia julibrissin

Family Fabaceae

Plant Type  Tree

Mature Size 20-40 ft. tall, 20-50 ft. wide

Sun Exposure Full, partial

Soil Type Moist but well-drained

Soil pH Acidic, neutral, alkaline

Bloom Time Summer

Flower Color Pink

Hardiness Zones 6-9 (USDA)

Native Area  Middle East, Asia

Toxicity Toxic to animals 

 

The seeds contain a neurotoxin that when ingested can be toxic to livestock and dogs.

 

The Silk Tree will take advantage of disturbed land areas.  It grows vigorously 

and can displace native trees and shrubs. It produces a large number of seeds 

and it will  resprout when cut back or damaged. It is a strong competitor for 

native species in open areas, along roadsides and forest edges due to its ability 

to grow in different soil types and its large production of seeds. When planted 

near homes, it requires significant clean up from shedding of their leaves, blooms, 

and seed pods. The tree can tolerate a variety of soils and moisture conditions 

because its roots have the ability to produce nitrogen. Mimosa can grow in dense 

stands which reduces sunlight and nutrients that preferred species require. It 

can also become a problem along banks of waterways, where its seeds are easily 

transported in water.