ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin). This pink beauty is native to southwestern and eastern Asia. It was introduced to Europe in the mid-18th century by Italian nobleman Filippo degli Albizzi, and the name of its entire genus Albizzia is given after him. They call this tree a “night sleeper” because it leaves slowly close during the night and during periods of rain, the leaflets bowing downward. The flowers bloom throughout the summer in dense clusters, which resemble starbursts of pink silky threads. They have been observed to attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is widely planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens, grown for its fine leaf texture, flowers and attractive horizontal canopy. Other positive attributes are a fast growth rate, low water requirements and the ability to thrive in full sun in hot summer climates. It is frequently planted in semi-arid areas like California’s Central Valley, central Texas and Oklahoma. Silk tree wood may be used to make furniture. It is also reportedly psychoactive as well, with the flowers being used to make teas. In Chinese medicine it is considered an antidepressant.