Albizia spp.
Mimosa, silk trees, false-thorns, and allies
Tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Madagascar, and Australia
Overview
Albizia spp. is a genus of about 150 species of fast-growing trees and shrubs in the pea family (Fabaceae), native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. Most are spreading, often flat-topped trees 5-20 m (16-65 ft) tall, with twice-divided (bipinnate), feathery foliage that folds together at night. The flowers lack showy petals; instead, dense heads of long, silky stamens create powderpuff-like clusters in pink, white, or cream, giving rise to names such as silk tree. A. julibrissin, the mimosa or silk tree, bears pink summer flowers and is grown widely in warm-temperate regions, where it has become an aggressive weed in parts of the southern United States. A. lebbeck, the siris, is a tropical timber and shade tree. Flat, papery seed pods follow the flowers and rattle on the tree into winter. Albizia spp. fixes nitrogen and grows quickly in poor soil, but the wood is often brittle, the trees are relatively short-lived, and several species seed prolifically and spread into disturbed ground beyond cultivation.
Native Range
Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Madagascar, and northern Australia. A. julibrissin ranges from Iran through to East Asia, and is now naturalised across warm parts of the Americas and southern Europe.Suggested Uses
Grown as fast-growing shade and ornamental flowering trees in warm gardens, parks, and streets, and as timber, fuel, fodder, and soil-improving species in tropical agriculture and agroforestry. In regions where they self-seed freely, some species are kept out of natural areas because of their weedy spread.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height16' - 65'
Width/Spread16' - 50'
Bloom Information
Most species flower in summer, roughly June to August in warm-temperate climates and over a longer warm season in the tropics. The fragrant powderpuff flowers open over several weeks and are visited by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Pods ripen in autumn and often persist into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink, white, or creamFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight