Persian Silk Tree, also known as Mimosa tree, Pink Silk Tree
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Fabales, Family: Fabaceae, Genus: Albizia, Species: A. julibrissin · Fabaceae (Legume, pea, or bean family) · Bipinnately compound, deciduous
Species
Albizia julibrissin
Leaf Type
Bipinnately compound, deciduous
Family
Fabaceae (Legume, pea, or bean family)
Shape
Finely divided feather-like leaflets that are oblong to linear-oblong
Size
Large bipinnate leaves typically 8-20 inches long, composed of numerous pinnae, with individual leaflets measuring about 0.25 to 0.5 inches long
Margin
Entire (smooth) margins on individual leaflets
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement on the stem
Rarity
Very Common, often considered an aggressive invasive species in non-native regions
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to bright green upper surface with slightly paler undersides; displays sleep movements, folding up at night
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation on individual tiny leaflets, often with an off-center midrib
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly puberulent texture with a soft, delicate, almost fern-like appearance
Description
The Persian Silk Tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a broad, flat-topped, umbrella-like crown and smooth greenish-gray bark. It is famous for its stunning, fluffy, bright pink powder-puff flowers that bloom in mid-summer, followed by flat, papery seed pods. The foliage is exceptionally fine and delicate, resembling a fern, and contributes to a tropical aesthetic in temperate landscapes.
Key Features
Bipinnately compound leaves with numerous tiny leaflets, distinctively fluffy bright pink pom-pom flowers, and flat papery seed pods that persist through winter
Habitat
Thrives in disturbed areas, along roadsides, forest edges, and riverbanks; prefers full sun and well-drained soils, highly adaptable to drought and poor soils
Geographic Range
Native to southwestern and eastern Asia (Iran to Japan); widely introduced and naturalized in southern and eastern United States, as well as parts of Europe and South America
Condition Notes
The depicted foliage appears fresh, vibrant green, and in excellent health with no noticeable signs of disease, chlorosis, or insect damage
Interesting Facts
The leaflets of the Mimosa tree are sensitive and exhibit nyctinasty, folding up together at night and during rainstorms or when touched. The species name 'julibrissin' is a corruption of a Persian word meaning 'silk flower'.
Medicinal & Uses
Widely planted as an ornamental shade tree for its showy flowers and fine foliage. In traditional Asian medicine, the bark and flowers are used as an herbal remedy known as 'He Huan Pi' to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. However, it is an aggressive invasive weed in many parts of North America, outcompeting native vegetation and altering soil nitrogen levels
Similar Species
Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) or Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocdioicus dioica), but distinguished by Albizia's much softer, finer leaflets and lack of thorns on mature growth
Foraging Tips
Look for umbrella-shaped canopies and delicate fern-like foliage during spring and summer; easily identified in mid-summer by the bright pink pom-pom blossoms
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, but the seeds and pods can be mildly to moderately toxic to livestock and pets if ingested in large quantities