The Persian Silk Tree, The Mimosa
Under the broad, umbrella-like canopy.
Flowers are composed of silky thread-like stamens resembling pompoms.
Their delicate, lacy foliage closes up at night and in the rain.
Immature trees have an upright canopy.
Persian silk trees need full sun to perform their best.
Long pods filled with large seeds that will grow in warm climates.
Their bark bears vertical stripes when mature.
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Common Name: silk tree, Persian silk tree, mimosa
Botanical Name: Albizia julibrissin Family: Fabaceae Growth rate: fast, but is short-lived Form: broad, horizontal canopy like a parasol Genus: Albizia Species: julbrissin Plant Type: deciduous tree Mature Size: 5–16 m (16–52 ft) Origin: Iran, Republic of Azerbaijan, Korea, China Hardiness Zone USDA zones 6 to 9 Leaves: feather-like, bright green, bipinnate,18" x 10", folds inwards at night and in rain Flowers: fragrant clusters of pink & white pompom blossoms with thread-like stamens, late summer into fall Fruit: brown, flattened pods contain several seeds Bark: dark green-grey with vertical stripes when mature Exposure: full sun Soil: prefers dry conditions, good drainage & tolerates alkaline soils Propagation: seeds Pruning: late winter to early spring Uses: mixed borders, as an accent and as a specimen, small gardens, butterflies, bees Cultivars: Pink Silk Tree (A.julibrissin f. rosea), 'Summer Chocolate' has dark bronze leaves with pale pink blossoms. Comments: Mimosas are beautiful even when they are not donning their white and pink fragrant and fluffy blossoms. Their flowers are loved by both bees and butterflies. A canopy of fern-like foliage is delicate that As tree mature, their upright canopy expands horizontally resembling an soft- green umbrella. Albizias prefer dry, warm conditions, which means they struggle with diseases in British Columbia due to our wet weather. As tree matures, the trunk often divides into a V shape, where water collects, which causes rot. Roots are shallow but spread far. It's best to plant away from driveways, patios and other hardscaping. Branches tend to be brittle so plant in protective location away from wind. Pruning tips: In late winter to early spring, remove branches that are too low, distorted, broken and ones that are too long. Since mimosas are disease prone and insect prone, remove infested parts any time of year and disinfect tools after each cut. 
As trees mature, their shape changes from a narrow canopy to horizontal one.
Flowers sit atop the branches.
Two silk trees form a garland of flowers atop a fence in late summer.
Mature seed pods.
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Flowers attract bees and butterflies.