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Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree)

Silk Tree, Mimosa, Bastard Tamarind, Nemu Tree, Acacia julibrissin

Albizia julibrissin, Silk Tree, Mimosa, Bastard Tamarind, Nemu Tree, Acacia julibrissin, deciduous shrub, pink flowers, fragrant shrub
Albizia julibrissin, Silk Tree, Mimosa, Bastard Tamarind, Nemu Tree, Acacia julibrissin, deciduous shrub, pink flowers, fragrant shrub
Albizia julibrissin, Silk Tree, Mimosa, Bastard Tamarind, Nemu Tree, Acacia julibrissin, deciduous shrub, pink flowers, fragrant shrub

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Albizia
Common names Mimosa, Silk Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 20' - 40'
(6.1m - 12.2m)
Spread 20' - 50'
(6.1m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Albizia saman (Rain Tree)
Albizia julibrissin Chocolate Fountain™ (Silk Tree)
Albizia julibrissin ‘Summer Chocolate’ (Silk Tree)
Albizia julibrissin f. rosea (Pink Silk Tree)

Recommended Companion Plants

Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Leguminosae
Genus Albizia
Common names Mimosa, Silk Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 20' - 40'
(6.1m - 12.2m)
Spread 20' - 50'
(6.1m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Albizia (Silk Tree) to pick?
Compare Now

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