Description

General aspect and origins - Albizia julibrissin, also known as silk tree or mimosa, is a medium-sized tree relative to the Acacia species that can reach 40 ft (12 m) high. However, it is generally smaller, and grows up to 15-30 ft. (4.5 - 6 m). Silk tree is well-known for its pale pink to red-pink showy flowers. It also has an interesting finely divided foliage.
Leaves - The silk tree has decidious pinnate leaves, which are finely divided.
Flowers - The silk tree bears puffy pink scented flowers in summer, which are arranged in panicles. Their color vary from pale-pink to red-pink, depending on the variety.

Culture

The silk tree is an ornemental tree, that can withstand occasional droughts, and fairly hard frosts around 0°F (about -17°C to -20°C). So it can be grown in USDA zones 6b and warmer.
Soil - The silk tree prefers a fertile and well-drained ground. This tree will withstand occasional droughts.

Propagation

This tree can be easily propagated by seeds. However, varieties are propagated by cuttings or graftings, or air layering techniques.
There are ten to a dozen seeds in each fruit, which is actually a pod.