Photograph of Silk Tree, Mimosa, (Albizia julibrissin)

Close up photograph of Silk Tree, Mimosa Foliage and Flowers, (Albizia julibrissin)

Albizia is a genus of small deciduous, tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs which belong to the Fabaceae or Bean Family and are closely allied to Acacia. Silk Tree, originally from Asia is one of the few tropical trees that can grow as far north as zone 6 with a few hardier varieties surviving even farther north. Silk Tree is a wide spreading tree, growing to 40 ft high. It has 2 ft. feathery leaves with smaller leaflets on each side of a central stem. It is the longest blooming ornamental tree in the northern climate zones. The light to deep pink flowers have long stamens in ball-like silky clusters. The flowers last from early summer through early or mid autumn.

A smaller, hardier version of the species called "Rosea" has brighter pink flowers. It is susceptible in the deep south to a vascular wilt disease for which there is no cure. We do not sell the seeds of that version of Silk Tree. Webworm is another potential problem for the foliage of all Silk Trees. This condition is treatable, is unslightly, but does no harm to the tree.

The specimens shown above were photographed in Louisville, Kentucky, in June of 1999. Silk Tree is very easy to grow from seed. Small seedlings are seen in abundance where there are mature specimens of the tree. The lacy, feathery foliage allows a fairly high degree of filtered sunlight to get through to the ground beneath the tree. This makes Silk Tree a perfect protective companion for various ferns, hostas and other shade-loving plants.

Winter hardy in zones 6-9

© 1999 Michael King