Mimosa, Silk Tree
albizia julibrissin
Also known as: ["Silk tree","Pink siris","Mimoso"]
Overview
A deciduous tree with feathery, bipinnate leaves and showy, pinkish-red, pom-pom-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Albizia |
| Botanical Name: | Albizia julibrissin |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of sun stress; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure soil drains well; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care based on seasonal temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize once a year in spring; water before and after applying fertilizer; use a balanced NPK ratio.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed propagation; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant; remove crossing or weak growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or damaged wood; shape the plant; clean up debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone, ensuring water penetrates deeply to encourage deep root growth. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand for better aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; slow growth in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may yellow or drop; prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause dieback or death.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch in winter; move potted plants indoors; avoid planting in frost-prone areas.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrient levels; apply fertilizer in spring; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicAlbizia julibrissin is toxic to cats, with the seeds and bark posing the greatest risk. The plant contains compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and allergic reactions in felines, potentially leading to systemic distress if ingested in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds and bark of Albizia julibrissin are toxic to dogs, containing compounds that can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic effects. Ingestion may cause irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and potential secondary complications.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAlbizia julibrissin contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The seeds and bark are the primary toxic parts, containing saponins and other bioactive compounds that may irritate the digestive tract or trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Albizia julibrissin toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does the Mimosa tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its fragrant flowers.
Q: How often should I water Albizia julibrissin?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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