Silk Tree
Albizia julibrissin · Fabaceae (Legume, Bean, or Pea family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Bipinnately compound (doubly compound), deciduous
Shape
Overall oblong to ovate outline composed of numerous small, oblong to linear-oblong leaflets
Margin
Entire (smooth) on all individual leaflets
Arrangement
Alternate along the main branch, with opposite pairs of pinnae along the central rachis
Venation
Pinnate on the individual leaflets, with an off-center midrib typical of many legume leaflets
Key Features
Bipinnately compound leaves with numerous small, asymmetrical leaflets; showy pink pom-pom flowers; flat, dry bean-like seed pods that persist through winter
Description
The silk tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a broad, flat-topped, umbrella-like crown and smooth, greenish-grey bark. It produces showy, bright pink, powder-puff-like flower clusters that resemble silken threads, followed by flat, papery brown seed pods. The delicate, fern-like foliage folds up at night or under touch, adding a unique sensitive quality to the plant.
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, along roadsides, forest edges, and stream banks, preferring full sun and well-draining soils
Native Range
Native to southwestern and eastern Asia (from Iran to China and Japan); widely introduced and invasive in parts of North America and other subtropical regions globally