Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
ALBIZIA julibrissin
Plant Common Name
Persian Silktree, Pink Siris, Silky Mimosa
General Description
Though pretty, Persian silktree is weak, fast-growing, invasive and short-lived. It is a small to medium-sized, hardy, deciduous tree native to central and eastern Asia, which has become naturalized in temperate regions globally. In the United States it has become naturalized in areas from California to New York.
Pleasing feather leaves line the branches in summer and fold up at night. The compound leaves are comprised of many small, oval, leaflets of bright green. Fragrant, puffy, round flowers of white and rose-pink are produced in summer. These are visually appealing from afar and the main reason gardeners grow silktree. Insects pollinate the blooms and flattened, tan seed pods filled with seed follow. The small seeds germinate readily.
Like most invasive species, this tree is quite adaptable. It grows best in full sun and most soils with average to good drainage. It’s hollow branches are so brittle that even thicker ones can be snapped in half by hand. Wind and snow storms are equally damaging. Silktree grows quickly and develops a dome-like canopy that offers dappled shade below. Landscape specimens can be severely pruned annually to maintain a shrubby form.
Persian silktree is listed as a noxious invasive in many regions, including many cool subtropical and warm temperate areas. Investigate locally to see if growing this species is prohibited.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
20'-40' / 6.1m - 12.2m
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Width
25'-55' / 7.6m - 16.8m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Central Asia, Eastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink, Light Pink
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Lime Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Yellow Green, Tan
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Mixed Border, Shade Trees
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes