silktree
Family
FabaceaeScientific Name
Albizia julibrissin
Other Common Names:
Persian silktree
mimosa
pink silktree
Habit
This small to medium sized tree grows up to 20-40 feet tall. The bark is light brown, nearly smooth, and generally thin. Trees flower in summer and produce large bean pods which cause debris on the lawn and may lead to unwanted seedlings.
Leaves
Fernlike leaves are finely divided, 5-8 inches long by about 3-4 inches wide, and alternate along the stems.
Identifying Characteristics
The pinnately divided leaves that consist of numerous tiny leaflets and flowers that look like pink, fury balls are characteristics of this plant. Its tolerance of salty soil and moderate salt spray allows it to grow well in ocean side landscapes and along tidal creeks.
Flower Seed Head
Showy and fragrant pink flowers, about 1 inches long, that resemble pom-poms are arranged in panicles at the ends of branches.
Seed Fruit
Fruits are flat, straw-colored pods about 6 inches long, containing light brown oval-shaped seeds about inch in length.
Where Found
Roadsides and open vacant lots in urban/suburban areas, coastland, disturbed areas and riparian zones.
Growth Habit
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
not present
Dominant Flower Color
pink
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
pinnate
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Tree