# 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. - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 44 - **Habitat:** Warm climates and gardens - **Also known as:** Persian silk tree ![Silk Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426921/objects/4868.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Angiospermae - **Class:** Dicotyledoneae - **Order:** Rosales - **Family:** Fabaceae ## 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 - **Sleeping Leaves:** Silk Tree can fold its feathery leaves at night or when it's very hot to conserve water and protect itself from harsh conditions. - **Sweet Nectar Lures:** Silk Tree has special glands that produce sweet nectar, attracting ants to protect its leaves from harmful insect pests. - **Nitrogen Power-Up:** 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 - **Spread:** 6-12 m - **Edible:** No - **Size:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form. - [Cluster Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cluster-flower): Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Fiber](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fiber): This human use trait identifies species that yield natural fibers, used by humans for textiles, rope, paper, and other manufactured goods. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Silk Tree? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Silk Tree? 5-12 m ### How wide does Silk Tree spread? 6-12 m ### Is Silk Tree edible? No ### How big is Silk Tree? 20-60 cm ### How long does Silk Tree live? 20-50 years ### Where is Silk Tree usually found? Warm climates and gardens ### What kind of fruit does Silk Tree produce? Flat brown seed pod ## Where to spot - [Advance Mills](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/advance-mills) — Virginia, US · Neighborhood - [Alabama City Wall Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alabama-city-wall-street-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arrowmont-school-of-arts-and-crafts) — Tennessee, US · Campus - [Ashley River Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ashley-river-historic-district) — South Carolina, US · Historic District - [Bloomingdale](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bloomingdale) — District of Columbia, US · Neighborhood - [Brookfield Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brookfield-park) — Virginia, US · Park [View all places to see Silk Tree](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/silk-tree) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Silk Tree: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/silk-tree)