Albizia julibrissin – Persian Silk Tree
- Hakan Sener
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Explore Albizia julibrissin (Persian Silk Tree) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Albizia julibrissin | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Persian Silk Tree, Silk Tree, Mimosa Tree
Family: Fabaceae
Appearance: A small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a broad, spreading canopy and delicate, fern-like bipinnate leaves that fold at night or when touched. Produces showy, silky pink to white powder-puff-like flowers in summer, followed by flat brown seed pods. The overall form is airy and elegant, giving a tropical appearance.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Low Tree
Root System: Deep taproot with lateral spreading roots; capable of nitrogen fixation
Height: 5–12 m
Width: 6–10 m
Lifespan: 30–50 years on average
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans; seeds may be toxic to livestock if consumed in quantity
Albizia julibrissin | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Southwestern and Eastern Asia – Iran to Japan
Companionship: Pairs well with drought-tolerant understory species such as Lavandula, Rosmarinus, or Cistus; avoid heavy-shade-demanding plants beneath its canopy
Invasive Range: Naturalized and invasive in parts of the southeastern United States and the Mediterranean Basin
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance – thrives in low-nutrient soils due to nitrogen fixation
Drought: High tolerance once established
Shade: Low to moderate tolerance – prefers full sun
Flood: Low tolerance – does not tolerate waterlogging
Wind: Moderate tolerance – branches can break in strong winds
Maritime: Moderate tolerance – tolerates salt spray in coastal areas
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance – may resprout from base after fire
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Moderate – prefers well-drained soil
Soil Type: Adaptable to loamy, sandy, or clay soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0–8.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Readily propagated from seed; hard seed coat requires scarification or soaking before sowing
Cuttings: Possible from semi-hardwood cuttings, though with lower success rate
Albizia julibrissin | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Flowers occasionally used as garnish or in traditional teas; otherwise not a food plant
Medicinal: Used in traditional Chinese and Persian medicine as a sedative, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory; bark and flowers used for anxiety and sleep support
Cosmetics: Flower extracts sometimes used in skincare for their antioxidant properties
Animal Feed: Not used as a fodder tree; seeds and pods not recommended for livestock
Fiber: Not used
Timber: Wood is light, coarse-grained, and used for small crafts and furniture
Firewood: Yes – burns well but produces moderate heat
Wind Break: Suitable for light shelterbelts due to spreading canopy
Fence: Can be pruned and trained into living fences or ornamental borders
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: Leaves can be used as mulch; enrich soil with nitrogen as they decompose
Nitrogen Fixer: Yes – forms symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria
Dynamic Accumulator: Likely accumulates nitrogen and minor minerals through deep rooting
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Pest Repellent: No confirmed data
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators, perching habitat for birds, and light dappled shade for understory growth
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: