Albizia julibrissin (Silk tree)
Persian silk tree is weak, fast-growing and short-lived tree. It creates an umbrella shape canopy. The tree is originated from eastern Asia and became naturalized in temperate/ Mediterranean regions globally. Pleasing feather leaves fold up by night. The flower is fragrant silky white and pink appearing in the summer. The tree is very adoptable to all kind of condition. It grows best in full sun and most soils with average to good drainage. The root system grows very close to the base of the trunk. These can raise walks and patios as they grow in diameter and makes for poor transplanting success as the tree grows larger. Falling flowers and fruits also creates litter problem. Mimosa wilt is one of its widespread problems and kills many specimens.
- Landscape Information
- Botanical Description
- Horticulture Management
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French Name: Arbre de soie
Arabic Name: ألبيزيا زهرة الحرير
Pronunciation: al-BIZ-zee-uh joo-lih-BRISS-in
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Plant type: Tree
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Origin: Asia
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Heat Zones: 6 to 16
Hardiness Zones: 6 to 13
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Uses: Specimen, Shade, Reclamation
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Size/Shape
Growth Rate: Fast
Tree Shape: Vase
Canopy Symmetry: Irregular
Canopy Density: Open
Canopy Texture: Fine
Height at Maturity: 5 to 8 m
Spread at Maturity: 8 to 10 meters
Time to Ultimate Height: 5 to 10 Years
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Foliage
Leaf Arrangement : Alternate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Persistance: Deciduous
Leaf Type: Bipinnately compound
Leaf Blade: Less than 5
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Margins: Entire
Leaf Texture: Fine
Leaf Scent: No Fragance
Color(growing season): Green
Color(changing season): Green
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Flower
Flower Size Range: 3 - 7
Flower Type: Capitulum
Flower Sexuality: Monoecious (Bisexual)
Flower Scent: No Fragance
Flower Color: Purple, Pink
Seasons: Spring, Summer
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Trunk
Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Suspected to breakage
Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked
Trunk esthetic Values: Not Showy
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Fruit
Fruit Type: Legume
Fruit Showiness: Yes
Fruit Size Range: 3 - 7
Fruit Color: Brown
Seasons: Spring, Summer
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Tolerance
Frost Tolerant: Yes
Heat Tolerance: Yes
Salt Tolerance: Good
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Requirements
Soil Requirements: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral
Water Requirements: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full
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Management
Toxicity: No
Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Yes
Pruning Requirements: Needed, to develop a strong structure
Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: Yes
Surface Rooting: Yes
Life Span: Less than 25
Edible Parts: None
Pests: Mites, Scales
Plant Propagation: Seed, Cutting