When I was growing up, there was a mimosa in the yard next door. As a child I was very fond of that tree. We would hang on its branches and play with its leaves. The leaves were fun, I remember, because they would close up when touched.

Later in my life I had a friend who had an Albizia. It was magnificent!... at least 40 feet tall with perhaps as much a spread. The light-colored branches came out of the ground as a multi-stemmed tree that filled his entire yard. The branches were pruned up so the leaves were only on the canopy. This made it look like a huge sculpture or work of art. It was, of course, given ample water; because, with low water, the Albizia does great, but is a much smaller tree.

While doing research on the Albizia, I was surprised to find that it (A. julibrissin - mimosa or silk tree) was native to southern Asia - from Iran all the way to Japan. This fact demonstrates that Albizia can grow under many different conditions and in many different soils.

The Albizia is a great tree to add an oriental effect to the yard. It is also very good as a patio tree, though it does produce ample mulch for your garden. I understand that if you have a two story house, the Albizia is very impressive when it blooms. The blossoms stick up through the canopy and from above it produces a soft beautiful pink show.

If you choose an Albizia for your landscape you will not be disappointed. Though I have not tried, I believe they are easy to grow from seed. But, if you are not that adventurous, most nurseries should carry them.