Silk Tree {Albizia julibrissin} Exotic Ornamental | Bonsai | 30 Pre-Stratified seeds | Free U.S. Shipping! The Silk Tree is a fast-growing, small to medium size, deciduous tree. It typically is found along roadsides, grasslands, vacant lots, clearings, or flood plain areas. The tree has a broad crown and may have single or multiple trunks. Its height typically ranges from 10-50 feet and width spread 20-50 feet. In 2006 a Silk Tree was found that measured 64 feet high and had a width spread of 80.4 feet. The tree tolerates summer heat, and its flowers prefer full sun. The limbs of the tree are weak and may be damaged by strong winds, snow, and ice. It is a short-lived tree with an average life span is 30 years. The leaves are fern-like in appearance and are very sensitive. The leaflets will close when touched and at nighttime. It blooms from May to July. The fragrant flowers appear to be pompom-like clusters of silky pink threads and measure about 1.5 inches long. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to this flowering tree. The fruits are flattened legumes and contain 5 to 16 seeds. The fruits first appear in June and typically mature from August to September. The seeds are easily dispersed by the wind, water, or by animals. Common Name Persian silk tree, silk tree, pink silk tree, mimosa tree Botanical Name Albizia julibrissin Family Fabaceae Plant Type Tree Mature Size 20-40 ft. tall, 20-50 ft. wide Sun Exposure Full, partial Soil Type Moist but well-drained Soil pH Acidic, neutral, alkaline Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Pink Hardiness Zones 6-9 (USDA) Native Area Middle East, Asia Toxicity Toxic to animals The seeds contain a neurotoxin that when ingested can be toxic to livestock and dogs. The Silk Tree will take advantage of disturbed land areas. It grows vigorously and can displace native trees and shrubs. It produces a large number of seeds and it will resprout when cut back or damaged. It is a strong competitor for native species in open areas, along roadsides and forest edges due to its ability to grow in different soil types and its large production of seeds. When planted near homes, it requires significant clean up from shedding of their leaves, blooms, and seed pods. The tree can tolerate a variety of soils and moisture conditions because its roots have the ability to produce nitrogen. Mimosa can grow in dense stands which reduces sunlight and nutrients that preferred species require. It can also become a problem along banks of waterways, where its seeds are easily transported in water.