Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Persian silk tree is a small Asian tree with pink, brushlike flowers in summer. In much of the southeastern United States, Persian silk tree has spread beyond gardens and grows along roads and woodland edges. Persian silk tree is also called mimosa.

Appearance

Growth form: This small, spreading tree usually grows about 20–40 ft (6–12 m) tall in gardens.
Leaves: Its many tiny leaflets give the leaves a fernlike look and fold together at night.
Flowers: Clusters of long pink, pollen-bearing flower parts create the fluffy flowers.
Flowering time: In Missouri gardens, it usually flowers in June and July.
Fruit: Flat seed pods can remain on the tree into winter.

Look-alikes

Kalkora MimosaAlbizia kalkora

Kalkora Mimosa (Albizia kalkora) has fewer, broader leaflets and usually creamier flowers. Persian silk tree has many finer leaflets and pinker flower clusters.

Why they get mixed upBoth are Asian silk trees with airy leaves and powder-puff flowers.

Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos

Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) has larger leaflets and small greenish flowers; Persian silk tree has much finer leaflets and pink, fluffy flower heads.

Why they get mixed upThe feathery leaves can look alike from a distance.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: roadsides
woodland edges
gardens
Range: Native to Asia, it has naturalized in much of the southeastern U.S. and in California. In Florida, it is considered invasive and planting is discouraged.
Flowering: Flowers Jun–Jul
Flowers Jun–Jul

Name and classification

About the name: A variety called mollis (A. julibrissin var. mollis) has hairier young shoots and grows from the Himalayas to southwestern China.
Varieties and forms: The 'Summer Chocolate' has deep burgundy leaves and brighter pink flowers.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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