Persian silk tree.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

20 to 40 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 6 to 10

Bloom time

Late spring to mid summer

Care

Plant this tree in a spot that gets plenty of sunshine to encourage the best blooms. Watch for yellowing leaves or wilting, which might signal issues with drainage or pests. Keep the area around the base clear to help the roots stay healthy.

Watering

Water deeply once established, but allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between sessions.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring before new growth appears.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and shape the canopy.

Repotting

Repotting is generally only necessary for young trees kept in containers.

Soil

Well draining loamy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 8.0

Temperature

-15 to 40°C

Humidity

30 to 70%

Drought tolerance

High

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years.

Fragrance

Light

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Pets

This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep children away from the seed pods, as they are tempting to play with but toxic if eaten.

Contact allergens

The bark and sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The pollen may trigger allergic reactions in some people during the flowering season.

Edibility

The seeds are toxic if ingested and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

• Feathery bipinnate fern like leaves
• Pink powder puff flower clusters
• Flat brown seed pods
• Wide spreading umbrella shaped canopy

Height

6 to 12m

Spread

6 to 12m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

pink, 3 to 5cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Mimosa wilt · A fungal infection that causes yellowing leaves and branch dieback.

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, autumn

Overwintering

Young trees may need mulch around the base to protect roots from deep freezes. Ensure the soil is well drained to prevent winter rot.

In containers

It is not well suited for containers due to its rapid growth and large size.

Plant beneath the tree with shade tolerant perennials to make the most of the filtered light.

Grows well with

• Daylily · They thrive in the dappled shade provided by the tree canopy.
• Coneflower · These perennials enjoy the same sunny spots and well drained soil.

Similar species

• Honey Locust · They share similar fine, fernlike foliage.

Science

Family

Fabaceae

Genus

Albizia

Order

Fabales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Asia, from Iran to Japan.

Conservation

It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the United States and should be planted with caution.

It thrives in disturbed areas and open woodlands where it can quickly outcompete native vegetation.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

ornamental shade tree, pollinator garden

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this tree messy?

Yes, it drops many seed pods and flowers, which can create a cleanup chore.

Does it need much water?

It is quite drought tolerant once established.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Filippo degli Albizzi, an Italian nobleman who introduced the tree to Europe. The species name julibrissin is a corruption of the Persian word gul-i-abrisham, meaning silk flower.

Good to know

• It is often called the silk tree because of its silky, threadlike stamens.
• The tree grows very quickly but tends to have a short lifespan.
• It is highly adaptable to various soil types.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs
• Drought-tolerant plants