Persian silk tree (mimosa) Albizia julibrissin
Persian silk tree (mimosa) (Albizia julibrissin) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Iran to China and Korea. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Persian silk tree (mimosa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Iran to China and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Invasive in | south-east United States: check local rules before planting |
Is Persian silk tree (mimosa) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, pods
Seeds contain a neurotoxic pyridoxine antagonist; poisoning recorded in livestock.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Persian silk tree (mimosa)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Persian silk tree (mimosa)
- How far apart should I plant Persian silk tree (mimosa)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Persian silk tree (mimosa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Persian silk tree (mimosa) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Persian silk tree (mimosa)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Persian silk tree (mimosa) flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Persian silk tree (mimosa) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Seeds contain a neurotoxic pyridoxine antagonist; poisoning recorded in livestock.
- What grows well with Persian silk tree (mimosa)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Feathery leaves that fold at night and fluffy pink flower brushes loved by hummingbirds and hawkmoths. Leafs out late.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis