• Silk trees are named for the smooth, fine texture of their flowers.Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  The addition of silk trees, Albizia julibrissin, into the home landscape provides immense interest both visually and historically. For the gardener searching for an aesthetically dynamic ornamental plant, the silk tree provides interest in its soft, finely textured pink summer blossoms with stamens that resemble paintbrush hairs as well as leaflets that result in featherlike foliage. Additionally, the nectar-producing flowers attract wildlife, including hummingbirds and butterflies, into your gardening space.
  
  

Origin

• Silk trees, also referred to as mimosa trees, originate in Asia. Non-native to the United States, its introduction occurred in 1745 where its common use as an ornamental began in the state of Georgia during the 1950s, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Though naturalized on the east coast of the United States, silk trees have also made appearances toward the west coast including states like Utah and California. Due to its non-native status and more recent growth in the United States, the silk tree's plant community habit is unclear as of 2010. Commonly found in areas like floodplains and "disturbed" areas like urban settings and along roads, silk trees are potentially invasive. However, due to their ornamental value, these trees saw great popularity in the United States in 2009 and are often sold in plant nurseries.
  
  

Proper Culture

• When growing silk trees in the home garden, the proper culture is essential to maintaining vigorous plants. As vigorous plants have a greater potential for avoiding and overcoming health problems, consistent maintenance is key to long-lasting ornamental value. Home gardeners should grow deciduous silk trees in locations that provide full sunlight for best development. Silk trees cannot handle salt but do tolerate drought. However, moist soil yields healthier trees with greater vibrancy in green foliage color, according to the University of Florida. Both acid and alkaline pH levels are acceptable as are most soil types. Silk trees are very adaptable to most environments, according to Washington State University.
  
  

Disease Avoidance

• Silk trees are considered highly problematic due to their susceptibility to wilt disease. The University of Florida explains that wilt disease is so prevalent and destructive that some cities will no longer allow the planting of silk trees, as of 2009. The disease responsible for this destruction, fusarium wilt, is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Without any effective controls, this disease causes tree death after inhibiting its natural ability to circulate water and nutrients in its vascular system. Home gardeners can select cultivars which have shown promise in resistance to fusarium wilt, such as 'Union'. Home gardeners should apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer and irrigate more often to keep soil moist as a means of reducing the problem. Additionally, growers should remove and destroy affected plant parts to manage wilt. The best means of keeping trees free of disease is preventive, appropriate care, preferably of a resistant cultivar.