Mimosa (Silktree)

Albizia julibrissin

Leaves: Deciduous. Leaves are 15 inches long, doubly compound with 40 to 60 small leaflets. Dark green color. Often does not leaf out until late May or early June. No fall color. The leaves die off green when killed by frost.

Bark/Twigs: Smooth, gray-brown bark.

Flowers/Fruit: Flowers are light to deep pink and fragrant. Numerous thread-like 1 inch long stamen, have a puff-ball or brush-like effect. Blooms during summer (May to August). Fruit is a thin, flattened, 4 to 6 inches long by 1 inch wide legume. Pods form during September to October and remain during winter.

Mature size and shape: Small to medium. 20 to 30 feet high by spread similar or greater in width. Vase-shaped, often multi-stemmed. Broad-spreading, flat-topped crown.

General information/special features: Plant in full sun. Drought tolerant. Tolerant of salty soil and high wind.

Landscape use and maintenance: Specimen tree. Can be planted near power lines.  Fast growing rate. High maintenance. Flowers, seeds, and leaves are messy. Tree can become ratty looking and require pruning. Transplants readily.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 10

Family/Origin: Fabaceae – Legume. Native from China to Iran.

Campus Use: Uncommon. Can be found west of Social Work (Bld 26) along South Campus Drive.