The Persian Silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) is a small tree native to a broad region that extends from Iran all the way to Japan. This trees name comes from its delicate and colorful flowers that look like little puff balls.
I´m not sure how large this tree species can grow but all the trees that I have seen (it is a very commonly planted tree in Spain) have been on the small side not more than 10-12 feet tall. This makes it an ideal tree for gardens as an ornamental tree.
The leaves of the Persian Silk tree (sometimes just called "silktree") are bipinnately compound and have a close resemblance to many acacias although they are not related at all. At night these leaves relax and fold up as if they were sleeping only to spread back out when the sunlight returns.
The seed pods of this tree species are so thin that they are translucent allowing one to make out the silhouette of the seeds on the inside. They are a tan color and are about 3-4 inches in length. They are normally flat but on occasion you can find ones that are twisted in a spiral fassion.
A tree with similar leaves the the Silktree is the Blue JacarandaA tree with similar flowers is the White Popinac tree
Another small ornamental tree is the Weeping Bottlebrush tree
If you like this tree you might also like the Persian Lilac Tree
Other trees with "silk" in their names are the Silk Floss and the White Silk Floss Tree
For the complete index of trees in this blog - Tree index by common name
Wow, these are nice photos. I like your identification too. I could probably tell common trees apart, but don't know the scientific name for any of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by at my blog. Hope to see you again soon.
Cheers,
David Webb: Nature Pictures
Hi,
ReplyDeleteAnother common name for them in the U.S.is "Mimosa"
(http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/Mimosa.htm).
They grow like weeds here and are seen in fence rows and along roadways. We used to have one in my yard and I love the flowers and the seed pods as a child.
-Sandi
every single aspect of this tree is striking -leaves, pods, blooms - beautiful, even the name
ReplyDeleteDan.. Great Blog! I was wondering if you could help confirm (or identify) a tree pic that I have - whether it possibly might be a Persian silk tree, (which I'm only guessing that it may be from all your wonderful effort, research and photos).
ReplyDeleteCheers and pleased to meet you - *smiles*.
http://deesblog.vox.com/library/post/pics-of-the-day.html
Dan.. Great Blog! I was wondering if you could help confirm (or identify) a tree pic that I have - whether it possibly might be a Persian silk tree, (which I'm only guessing that it may be from all your wonderful effort, research and photos).
ReplyDeleteCheers and pleased to meet you - *smiles*.
http://deesblog.vox.com/library/post/pics-of-the-day.html
Deena - I think that you are most likely correct in your identification of the tree as a Persian Silk. There are some other species that look very similar so it is hard to be 100% sure.
ReplyDeleteI just came across these postings and am very concerned. Albizia julibrissin is an extremely invasive species in the United States. Please don't plant it outside its native range! It is ruining our forest edges and riparian corridors. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Albizia is very pretty tree, but a real pain for anyone here in Hawaii. They grow extremely fast and big. The problem is their roots do not grow very deep and since they are so porous, they are extremely heavy and a hurricane would blow them down easily. They have to be cut down for at least 200 feet from a building. They have mostly been cut down around our parks because of their danger.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention something in my last post. Sandi said they are called Mimosa on the Mainland USA. Sandi I think they are different because we had Mimosa in Kentucky and they are much different than Albizia. Here in Hawaii we have something that looks more like Mimosa. It's called Monkey Pod and can cover an entire acre. There are some in downtown Hilo that can be seen from satellite photos.
ReplyDeleteHi Dan,
ReplyDeleteI'd appreciate very much for your help in identifying a flower/tree I haven't seen since my childhood. The leaves and seed pods are similar to Persian Silk, the flowers are also like puff balls but are white and have a very pleasant scent. I found one pic that seems to be it: http://travel.mongabay.com/colombia/images/co02-9967.html
Many thanks!
Bo
Bo,
ReplyDeleteHave you checked my post on the White Popinac tree? I think its the same as the picture you saw on the internet.
Nice, but I wouldn't call it a small tree. Mine is currently 11 years old and is about 25' tall with a crown of about 40' across. It grows about 3 to 6 feet on all branches every year. The person who planted it thought it was a jacaranda, but it turned out to be a silk tree (to my delight) also, at sunset, the leaves close up and the tree looks like its gone to sleep. That is when you can really smell the flowers. Its a VERY messy tree, but for me it is very much worth the mess.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to thank you for this blog. I've been searching everywhere for the name of this tree since I fell in love with it the first time I found it... Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love my Persian silk tree which unfortunately seems to be dying. For the p[ast two winters mushrooms have been growing at the base and growth of leaves and flowers has deminished. Does anyone have a similar experience so I can cure my sick tree?
ReplyDeleteSiobhan August 2009
Re: "It is ruining our forest edges and riparian corridors" - but what a delightful invader it is! I am thinking a forest full of Silk Trees would be pretty sweet!
ReplyDeleteIs there a variety of the Albizia Julibrissin tree that has pink fan like blooms instead of poms? I thought I saw one a few years ago and I really want to plant that one.
ReplyDeleteSome have said these are small trees, but if they are the albesias like here in Hawaii, they are definatly NOT small trees. I have them fall and destroy a well built building. Many are being cut down to avoid destruction of buildings. They also grow very fast, as much as one or two feet a month. They have been popping up all around my house and I have take the machete to them monthly.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the research I just did, they are not actually mimosa trees, which is what I have always been told. And they grow much bigger than 10-12 feet here in Pennsylvania!
ReplyDeleteI am writing a novel set in Cairo 1924, Does anyone know if they are called Persian Silk tree in Egypt?
ReplyDeleteI have one of these in the backyard growing wild and some Native Wisteria. Didn't know what they were until I looked the seed pods up on the internet. The Persian silk grew really fast amongst the pine trees in the back yard, In 5 years it's well over 10 foot. The wisteria vines grow all throughout the pine trees. Amazingly beautiful in the Spring. Barry Soetoro
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a picture of these, I have just ordered a young plant and would hope that it is a fast growing speciman.
ReplyDeleteI have an enormous Persian Silk tree in my garden in the Vendee region of France. It's about 30 foot high and is stunning!
ReplyDelete