Silk floss tree Ceiba speciosa
Silk floss tree (Ceiba speciosa) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Tropical and subtropical forests of South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay). It grows 12–20 m (39–66 ft) tall and 10–15 m (33–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
Plan Silk floss tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Silk floss tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 m (33–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical and subtropical forests of South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇷 Argentina |
Is Silk floss tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Silk floss tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Silk floss tree in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Gardens by the Bay (1 plants)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (4 plants)
Questions about Silk floss tree
- How far apart should I plant Silk floss tree?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 m (33–49 ft).
- Does Silk floss tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Silk floss tree need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Silk floss tree?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Silk floss tree flower?
- From about September for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Silk floss tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Silk floss tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Silk floss tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora e Funga do Brasil, Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (REFLORA)
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Bottle-shaped green trunk studded with thick conical prickles; pink hibiscus-like flowers in autumn, then pods full of silky floss.
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
- Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
- Hollyhock Alcea rosea
- Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
- Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
- Cacao Theobroma cacao
- Durian Durio zibethinus
- Red silk-cotton tree (kapok) Bombax ceiba