Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree)

Fast-growing, Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree of vase-shaped habit with a broad, spreading canopy of fern-like, bipinnate, rich green leaves, 20 in. long (50 cm). Sensitive, the leaflets fold when touched and at night. Fluffy, pink, powder puff flowerheads, with prominent stamens, open in early summer and cover the tree. Fragrant, the blossoms are attractive to bees and butterflies. They are followed by flat bean-like seed pods, 7 in. long (17 cm), which persist into winter. A colorful and exotic-looking landscape tree that is most attractive as a multi-stemmed tree.

• Grows quickly with an open habit, up to 20-40 ft. tall (3-12 m) and 20-50 ft. wide (6-15 m).
• A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, but the best flower production is obtained in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poor or alkaline soils. Drought tolerant and thrives in the high summer heat and humidity. Grows fast with regular water.
• Perfect for shrub borders, coastal gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
• Pest-free, it is deer resistant. Keep an eye out for Verticillium wilt.
• Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Propagate by seed: collect seeds from pea-like pods and soften their coats in very hot water, leave to cool for 24 hours, and sow. After germination transplant into root trainers to avoid disturbing tap roots
• Native to China, Iran to Japan.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.