--- title: "Tree of the Month: Albizia julibrissin | Tree Nursery Ebben" description: "A true summer showstopper: Albizia julibrissin, the Persian silk tree. Native to Iran, Korea, and Japan, now increasingly planted across Europe." image: https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/thumbnail_Outlook-xoek5554.webp --- [← Back to Blog Overview](https://blog.ebben.nl/en) # Tree of the Month: Albizia julibrissin ![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/thumbnail_Outlook-xoek5554.webp?width=850&name=thumbnail_Outlook-xoek5554.webp) A true standout among summer bloomers is *Albizia julibrissin*, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa. Native to Iran, Korea, and Japan, this deciduous tree is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Belonging to the Fabaceae (legume) family, it is valued for its elegant foliage and showy flowers, reminiscent of *Acacia* or *Mimosa*. With its beautiful leaves, striking blossoms, and broad crown, the tree brings a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere—making it a perfect highlight for August. Characteristics The Persian silk tree typically grows 8–15 meters tall with a wide, spreading crown 7–10 meters in diameter. Its fan-shaped canopy is formed by almost horizontal branches. The bark is smooth and gray, while young shoots are green, turning gray-brown with age. Its airy crown is created by bipinnate leaves up to 40 cm long, with individual leaflets 2–3 cm in length. Fresh spring foliage is light green, darkening as summer progresses. At night, the leaves fold together—hence the Dutch name *slaapboom* (“sleeping tree”). From July through August, the tree produces masses of fragrant pink to whitish-pink flowers in striking clusters at branch tips. The flowers resemble fluffy pom-poms thanks to their silky stamens. After flowering, flat, papery pods 15–20 cm long appear, each containing rows of black seeds. Full sun is essential for good flowering, and in cooler summers the display may be less abundant. Uses and Applications Increasingly popular, *Albizia* is planted to create a Mediterranean ambiance. Its broad, light-transmitting canopy also provides pleasant shade in gardens, though space is needed to accommodate its spread. It thrives in full sun on sheltered sites, tolerates many soil types, and is both heat- and drought-tolerant once established. Beyond its ornamental value, the Persian silk tree has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. Its bark, flowers, and seeds are used in herbal remedies for ailments such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The bark is especially valued for its calming properties and is often used to make teas and tinctures. Biodiversity and Ecological Value Like all members of the Fabaceae family, *Albizia julibrissin* improves soil health by fixing nitrogen from the air. Its blossoms are an important nectar source for bees and pollinators during midsummer, when few other trees are in bloom. The seeds also provide food for various bird species. Conclusion *Albizia julibrissin*, the Persian silk tree, is a beautiful and versatile species long cultivated in Mediterranean countries for both decorative and medicinal purposes. With its parasol-shaped silhouette and tropical charm, it is well worth planting in sheltered, sunny locations. [Thijs Dolders](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/author/thijs-dolders) - [Tree of the month](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/tag/tree-of-the-month) ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Thijs%20Dolders-200424-8.jpg) Thijs Dolders Landscape architect](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/author/thijs-dolders) ### [Free tree library Want to find the right tree for an animal friendly environment? Find them in the TreeEbb. ![Mockup Laptop en mobiel-TreeEbb](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Mockup%20Laptop%20en%20mobiel-TreeEbb-min.png?width=2000&name=Mockup%20Laptop%20en%20mobiel-TreeEbb-min.png) To the TreeEbb](https://www.ebben.nl/en/treeebb/) ## Stay up to date with the knowledge that we share ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/1.%20Fotos/Picea%20pungens%20600-700-800-HV-221216-4.jpg?length=500&name=Picea%20pungens%20600-700-800-HV-221216-4.jpg) Tree of the month Design The power of solitude Discover the power of solitary trees in winter and garden design. Inspiration for character, tranquillity and sculptural beauty in the garden. By Ebben Tree Nursery.](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/the-power-of-solitude?hsLang=en) ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Quercus%20acutissima%20collage%20Blog.webp?length=500&name=Quercus%20acutissima%20collage%20Blog.webp) Tree of the month Tree of the Month: Quercus acutissima The Quercus acutissima (sawtooth oak) is a deciduous tree. It holds its leaves through winter and is suitable for large gardens and public green spaces.](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/tree-of-the-month-quercus-acutissima?hsLang=en) ### [![](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Betula%20nigra%20500-600-HM-101220-4-winterbeeld%20(1).jpg?length=500&name=Betula%20nigra%20500-600-HM-101220-4-winterbeeld%20(1).jpg) Tree of the month Tree of the Month: Betula nigra The river birch, Betula nigra, is an attractive tree with unique, peeling bark. It also has ecological value for birds and insects.](https://blog.ebben.nl/en/tree-of-the-month-betula-nigra?hsLang=en) ![planet-proof](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/planet-proof.png) ![mvo-nederland](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/mvo-nederland.png) ![iso-9001](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/iso-9001.png) ![iso-14001](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/iso-14001.png) ![tuv-co2](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/tuv-co2.png) ![boomfeestdag](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/boomfeestdag.png) ![nvtl](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/Logos/nvtl.png) ![tuinbouw-ondernemersprijs](https://blog.ebben.nl/hubfs/tuinbouw-ondernemersprijs.png) ## FIND OUT MORE - [About Ebben](https://www.ebben.nl/en/about-ebben/) - [Solutions](https://www.ebben.nl/en/solutions/) - [Vacancies](https://www.ebben.nl/en/vacancies/) - [News](https://www.ebben.nl/en/tree-news/) - [Contact](https://www.ebben.nl/en/contact/) ## CONTACT T +31 (0)485 31 20 21 F: +31 (0)485 31 38 88 E info@ebben.nl ## STEP INTO OUR GREEN WORLD! Visit our 500-hectare nurseries and see our 1,400-m² roof garden. [Make an appointment  ![button-arrow](https://blog.ebben.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/button-arrow.png?width=21&height=20&name=button-arrow.png)](https://www.ebben.nl/en/contact/) ## STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for our newsletter © 2026  •  Boomkwekerij Ebben B.V.  •  [Disclaimer](https://www.ebben.nl/en/disclaimer-copyright-email/)  •  [Privacy and cookie statement](https://www.ebben.nl/en/privacy-and-cookie-statement/)  •  [Terms and conditions](https://www.ebben.nl/files/media/ebben-nurseries-trading-conditions.pdf)