ExploreTree

Silk Tree

Albizia julibrissin

The Silk Tree has fluffy pink flowers that look like cotton candy! It’s a fun tree to see in bloom.

Habitat: Warm climates and gardens

Appearance

The Silk Tree has delicate, fern-like leaves and showy, fluffy pink flower clusters resembling silk threads. Its unique, flattened crown creates a broad, umbrella-like silhouette, making it easily recognizable with its vibrant summer blossoms.

KingdomPlantaePhylumAngiospermaeClassDicotyledoneaeOrderRosalesFamilyFabaceae

Silk Tree

Interesting facts

Ancient stories say its beautiful flowers can make people feel happy and calm.

Its fluffy flowers look like tiny pink fireworks exploding on the branches!

Many cultures call it the 'Sleeping Tree' because its leaves fold up at night!

The long seed pods can hang on the tree all winter, rattling in the wind.

Special abilities

Silk Tree can fold its feathery leaves at night or when it's very hot to conserve water and protect itself from harsh conditions.

Silk Tree has special glands that produce sweet nectar, attracting ants to protect its leaves from harmful insect pests.

Silk Tree can enrich the soil by partnering with bacteria to convert nitrogen from the air into plant food, helping it grow strong.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-12 m
Canopy Spread: 6-12 m
Is Edible: No
Trunk Diameter: 20-60 cm
Lifespan: 20-50 years
Fruit Type: Flat brown seed pod
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Bees are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers.

pollinates

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

Butterflies visit its sweet blossoms for nectar.

symbiotic with

Rhizobium bacteria

Rhizobium leguminosarum

Bacteria in root nodules fix nitrogen for the tree.

eats

Tarnished Plant Bug

Lygus lineolaris

Plant bugs feed on the tree's sap and leaves.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Cluster Flower

Discover how these flowers grow together in beautiful groups, creating a big splash of color that catches your eye. It's like a tiny bouquet, all natural!

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!