Silk Tree
Albizia julibrissin · Fabaceae (Legume, Pea, or Bean family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Bipinnately compound, deciduous
Shape
Finely divided feather-like leaflets arranged in pairs along numerous secondary axes (pinnae)
Margin
Entire (smooth edges on individual leaflets)
Arrangement
Alternate along the twigs
Venation
Pinnate venation on individual leaflets, highly reticulate and delicate
Key Features
Extremely finely divided bipinnate leaves resembling a fern; showy pink powder-puff flowers; flat, light brown papery seed pods that persist through winter; smooth, greenish-grey bark
Description
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree featuring a broad, flat-topped, umbrella-like crown. It produces stunning, fluffy, pink pom-pom-like flowers that resemble silk threads, followed by flat, papery seed pods. The delicate, fern-like foliage gives the tree a tropical, airy appearance.
Habitat
Disturbed areas, roadsides, forest edges, and abandoned lots; thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, highly drought-tolerant
Native Range
Native to southwestern and eastern Asia (Iran to China); introduced and naturalized widely across the southeastern United States and other warm temperate regions globally