Silk Tree Flower
Albizia julibrissin
Silk Tree is a graceful, fast-growing deciduous tree from Asia, producing extraordinary powder-puff flowers of silky pink and white stamens that rise above feathery, fern-like foliage. Its flowers, leaves, and pods have a theatrical quality — the leaves fold up at night and in rain — earning it a poetic place in Asian culture as a symbol of love and togetherness.
Fabaceae (Legume family), subfamily Caesalpinioideae
Early to midsummer (June–August)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: agapanthuss and mandevillas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Silk Tree carries one of the most tender and emotionally resonant symbolic identities of any flowering tree in East Asian culture. In China it is known as "He Huan" (合欢) — literally "collective happiness" or "joyful together" — and the tree and its flowers are an ancient symbol of marital bliss, reconciliation, and the healing of grief. It is traditionally planted near homes and given as a gift to those experiencing sadness, in the belief that the tree's presence dispels sorrow and restores joy. The tree's habit of folding its leaves together at nightfall — as if in an embrace — reinforces this symbolism of togetherness and sensitivity. In Japan it is called "Nemunoki" (眠り木, "sleeping tree") for the same leaf-folding behavior, and is celebrated in poetry and art as a symbol of quiet love and peaceful rest. In Persian culture, from which its botanical name derives, the tree has equally long associations with grace and beauty.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires maximum sunlight for best growth and flowering; does not tolerate shaded conditions
Water
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Tolerates poor and dry soils, Slightly acidic to neutral, Drought-tolerant once established
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil — tolerates poor, dry, and sandy conditions admirably
Establishes rapidly; stake young trees in the first 1–2 years as the canopy is prone to wind damage
Prune in late winter to shape; remove any frost-damaged wood in spring
Be aware it can self-seed prolifically and is considered invasive in parts of the southeastern United States
In cold climates, plant against a warm, south-facing wall for frost protection — it is borderline hardy below -15°C (5°F)
The tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodule bacteria, improving poor soils
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen shade tree for garden and lawn
- Street and avenue planting in warm temperate climates
- Fast-growing screen or privacy planting
- Patio and courtyard tree for filtered shade
- Naturalistic and meadow garden planting
- Bonsai subject — highly popular in Asian bonsai traditions
Traditional Uses
- Both the bark and flowers of Albizia julibrissin are used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the names "He Huan Pi" (bark) and "He Huan Hua" (flowers)
- Used to calm the mind, relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia — considered one of the premier herbal medicines for emotional wellbeing in TCM
- Modern pharmacological research has confirmed anxiolytic and sedative properties of bark extracts
- The bark is often incorporated into formulas for treating "heart spirit disturbance" — emotional restlessness and grief in classical Chinese medicine
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Silk Tree Flower
What does the Silk Tree flower symbolize?
Silk Tree flowers symbolize togetherness, marital happiness, and the healing of grief. In Chinese culture the tree is called "He Huan" (合欢), meaning "collective happiness," and has been an emblem of love, reconciliation, and emotional restoration for thousands of years. It is traditionally given to those experiencing sorrow as a gesture of comfort and renewal.
Why does the Silk Tree fold its leaves at night?
The leaf-folding of Silk Tree is a phenomenon called nyctinasty — a circadian movement in which leaflets fold together at nightfall and reopen at dawn. This behavior also occurs in rain and is thought to reduce water loss and protect the leaves from cold. It is this endearing, apparently "sleeping" quality that gave rise to its Japanese name Nemunoki, meaning "sleeping tree."
Is Silk Tree the same as Mimosa?
The Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) is commonly called "Mimosa" in the United States, particularly in the South, due to its similar feathery leaves and fluffy flowers. However, true Mimosa is a separate genus (Mimosa spp.). The confusion arises because both are legumes with similar leaf and flower structure, but they are botanically distinct plants.
Is Silk Tree invasive?
Yes, in parts of the southeastern United States and some other warm temperate regions, Albizia julibrissin is considered invasive. It self-seeds prolifically and can colonize disturbed areas, roadsides, and woodland margins, outcompeting native species. Gardeners in affected regions should deadhead spent seed pods and check local guidance before planting.
What is Silk Tree used for in Chinese medicine?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, both the bark ("He Huan Pi") and flowers ("He Huan Hua") of Albizia julibrissin are used to calm the mind, relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The plant is one of TCM's most important herbs for emotional wellbeing, and modern research has confirmed its anxiolytic and sedative properties.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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