Albizia julibrissin, commonly known as the Mimosa Tree or Silk Tree, is considered invasive in many parts of the United States. The tree is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the U.S., where it’s popular for its feathery, fern-like leaves and fluffy, pink, fragrant flowers.
The problem with Albizia julibrissin is that it’s an aggressive grower and can spread rapidly, often outcompeting native plants. It produces a large number of seeds that have a high germination rate. These seeds can be easily dispersed by wind and water, allowing the tree to spread to new areas. Additionally, the tree is able to grow in a variety of soil types and conditions, contributing to its invasiveness.
In some regions, the Silk Tree is on the list of invasive species due to its tendency to disrupt native plant communities and alter habitats.
According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.
The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.
A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Native Plants | United States |
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| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Plant Type | Trees |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Native Plants | United States |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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