The Persian Silk Tree

The branches are level or arching and the tiny leaves allow plenty of sunshine through while still creating shade. The dainty, bipinnate leaves close up during the night, a characteristic that gives this tree the name of night sleeper in Japan.

The botanical name for the deciduous Persian silk tree is Albizia Julibrissen. It is known by several other names such as pink siris, mimosa tree, Lenkoran acacia or bastard tamarind, though it is not related to the latter three species.

Persian Silk Tree Flowers

The flowers of the Persian silk tree are rather like large gum tree blossoms. They have no petals, but a bunch of fine stamens that are 2-3cm long and rose pink or white in other varieties. They appear in late spring or summer.

The tips of the stamens are a darker pink than the rest of them. Butterflies, humming birds, honeyeaters and bees all find the flowers very attractive. After the flowers long brown seed pods that contain three or more seeds, form.

The bark of the Persian silk tree is also attractive, being a dark greenish gray that becomes striped as the tree ages.

Where the Persian Silk Tree Grows

In Japan and some areas of the US the Persian silk tree has become an invasive pest, however in some states such as Texas, California and Oregon, and in Europe and Australia it is widely accepted as a street or garden tree. It is popular in Europe and many other countries as an ornamental species; the leaves, the arching habit and the flowers are all considered beautiful. Work is under way to breed a type of Persian silk tree that will not set seed and so can be grown without any problems of becoming invasive.

This tree will actually grow in light shade, but does better if grown in full sun. It is good for a lawn tree, but should not be placed close to a swimming pool due to the litter from the pods and leaf drop. The wood is quite light and will not stand up to violent storms.

Diseases of the Persian Silk Tree

Unfortunately the Persian silk tree is prone to some diseases. In Australia it tends to get borers or beetles that will actually cause whole branches to rot out if they are not cut out. The tree is also subject to mimosa wilt.

Whether the Persian silk tree is loved for it beauty or hated for its invasive habit will depend on where it is grown. However, if in the right location it is widely loved by all who grow it.