Mimosa

(Albizia Julibrissin)

Interesting Information About Plant:  

This plant is very susceptable to Fusarium wilt (an infectious fungi) that is widespread in the southern US, making large specimens rare. The roots persist however, and sprout so that masses of suckers are produced giving rise to shrubby plants.

Silk Tree is named from its threadlike flowers. There are over a hundred species of Albizia, all native to Asia, Africa or Australia. Silk tree is originally from China however has been cultivated as an ornamental in the southeastern United States and Europe since the 18th century. In cases where it is not acting as an ornamental it is found abundantly along roadways. Silk trees that grow some 30 to 40 feet high are great to grow right next to the house so they expand over the roof or patio. The open, airy canopy makes silk trees highly wind-resistant and if a branch should brake off they are hardly big enough to cause any damage.  At nighttime the leaflets fold up allowing heat to escape from the roof or patio. According to the Chinese, Silk tree is a fast-acting mood-lifter for certain types of depression and anxiety. Its sedating and spirit-calming properties allow those suffering from heartbreak to better cope with their loss.

Common Name(s):         Silk-tree or Mimosa

Scientific Name:          Albizia Julibrissin

Family Name (Scientific and Common):        Legume  (Fabaceae)

Continent of Origin:   Asia                                      

Plant Growth Habit:  Small Tree

Height at Maturity:  Between 3 – 10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habit: Full Sun

Manner of Culture: Landscape Shrub or Tree

Thorns on Younger Stem: No

Cross Section of Younger Stem:  Roundish   

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: Between The Diameter of a Pencil and a Broom-Handle   

Produces Brownish Bark:  Yes 

Bark Peeling in Many Areas: No

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Smooth Bark  

Type of Leaf: Flat, Thin Leaf 

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet): Less than Length of a Credit Card

Leaf Complexity:  Pinnately Compound 

Edge of Leaf:  Smooth

Leaf Arrangement: Opposite

Leaf has Petiole: Yes

Patterns of Main-Veins on Leaf (or Leaflet): Pinnate   

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs

Color of Foliage in Summer:  Green  

Change in Color of Foliage in October:  No Change   

Flowering Season:  Summer  

Flowers: Tightly Clustered  

Type of Flower: Colorful Flower

Color of Flower: Pink   

Shape of Individual Flower:  Radially Symmetrical 

Size of Individual Flower: Between a Quarter and the Length of a Credit Card

Sexuality:  Male and Female on Same Plant

Size of Fruit: Larger than the Length of a Credit Card

Fruit Fleshiness: Dry

Shape of Fruit: Long Pod  

Color of Fruit at Maturity: Brown or Dry

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels: No   

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One: Ferns

Unique Morphological Features of Plant:  Leaflets fold up at night

Poisonous: None of Plant

Pestiness (weedy, hard to control):  Yes 

Page prepared by:  

Marcus Flynn                                   

November 2004