Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

The Toxicity of a Silk Tree Seed Pod

...
Mimosa Tree with blooms image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

The mimosa or silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) grows to a height of 40 feet. The green fern-like foliage measures up to 20 inches in length and 4 inches in width. During the summer months the tree produces pink and white powder-puff-style flowers. The blossoms' stamens often measure up to 1 inch in length. After flowering, the tree produces a flat seedpod that measures 6 inches in length and contains tiny 1/2-inch-long seeds. The seeds are toxic if consumed.

Seed Toxicity

Seedpods appear and begin to ripen on the silk tree from August to September. The seeds contain a neurotoxin known as ginkgotoxin, according to Daily Puppy. The seeds pose a significant danger to pets, children, horses and livestock if consumed.

  • The mimosa or silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) grows to a height of 40 feet.
  • After flowering, the tree produces a flat seedpod that measures 6 inches in length and contains tiny 1/2-inch-long seeds.

Symptoms

Ingestion of the silk tree seeds can produce gastric intestinal upset, stomach pain, lethargy, coma and seizures. The seeds may be deadly if prompt medical treatment is not sought after consumption, according to the Austin City Connection.

Seed Production

The seeds of the silk tree can remain viable for more than five years. Seeds have been successfully germinated which were stored in the open for 50 years, according to the National Park Service. The tree normally drops its seeds at its base and seedlings quickly develop but the seeds may be carried a great distance in the water.

Invasive

The silk tree can be extremely invasive when it escapes cultivation. The tree grows best in full sunlight and can quickly establish itself along roadways or in open areas. It grows well along streams, rivers, waterways and lake shores. The seeds can easily withstand water and will often be transported great distances in the streams or rivers.

  • Ingestion of the silk tree seeds can produce gastric intestinal upset, stomach pain, lethargy, coma and seizures.
  • The silk tree can be extremely invasive when it escapes cultivation.

Control

Cut the trees prior to seed production to reduce seed spread. When the silk tree is cut down it will quickly re-sprout from its root system or base. Pulling the seedlings and discarding them helps aid in control. Systemic herbicides also will effectively kill a silk tree.

Related Articles

Russian Olive Tree Facts
Russian Olive Tree Facts
Life Cycle of an American Elm Tree
Life Cycle of an American Elm Tree
Toxicity of Mimosa Tree
Toxicity of Mimosa Tree
How to Germinate Mimosa Tree Seeds
How to Germinate Mimosa Tree Seeds
How to Grow Paulownia From Seed
How to Grow Paulownia From Seed
How to Grow Black Thistle Bird Seed for Birds
How to Grow Black Thistle Bird Seed for Birds
How Much Does a Sugar Maple Grow Per Year?
How Much Does a Sugar Maple Grow Per Year?
The Growth Rate of Pecan Trees
The Growth Rate of Pecan Trees
Mimosa Tree Disease
Mimosa Tree Disease
How to Start Pine Trees From Seeds
How to Start Pine Trees From Seeds
Garden Guides
×