Are Silk Trees Dormant in the Winter?

Silk trees, sometimes called mimosas or silky acacias, are dormant in the winter. The silk tree is a deciduous plant, meaning it loses its leaves after the summer season. The spring and summer months constitute the tree's active growth period.

Characteristics

• The silk tree is a medium/small ornamental tree. It is easily identifiable by its delicate, fern-like leaves and fragrant pink flowers. From a distance the thread-like flowers look like pom-poms or powderpuffs and range in color from light to deep pink.

Habitat Range

• The silk tree is native to Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1700s. It now grows in half the states in the union, from New York south to Florida, west to Missouri and into Texas and California.

Invasive Species

• The hearty, fast-growing silk tree is considered a weedy or invasive species in some states, according to the USDA. Silk trees are wind and drought resistant and can thrive in a variety of soil types. They grow especially well in full sun and are often seen sprouting up in open spaces, along roads and rivers and in vacant lots.