Kimberly let us know that a Silk Tree has been designated as Seattle Heritage Tree, and the neighbors are gathering for a dedication and celebration this Sunday, July 25th at noon at 3827 Bagley Ave. What, you may as, is a Silk Tree?
Albizia julibrissin is a species of legume, native to southern and eastern Asia, from Iran east to China and Korea. It is known by a wide variety of common names, such as Persian silk tree, pink siris, or mimosa. Its leaves slowly close during the night and during periods of rain, the leaflets bowing downward as if the tree were sleeping. Its modern Persian name shabkhosb means “night sleeper.” In Japan its common names all mean “sleeping tree.”
Kimberly says “Folks from Plant Amnesty and the city will be on hand, as will our Morris dancing troupe who will dance a couple of numbers in honor of the tree. All neighbors who read the Wallyhood blog are welcome!”
Huh. I always thought these were considered an invasive species. I guess not if you plant them in your yard yourself.
The two big ones we had in our yard when I was growing up were sort of a mixed blessing. Great for climbing and getting molted cicada carapaces to chase your brother with, but the failing blossoms and the subsequent seed pods always made a horrible rotten mess every fall.