Whiteclintonia (Albizia kalkora)

Whiteclintonia

Similar to the well-known Silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), whiteclintonia is a medium-sized tree that's often cultivated as an ornamental in Europe for its powder-puff blooms and interesting foliage. Though very decorative, the tree shows a somewhat aggressive nature and the significant ability to self-seed, disturbing native plants in areas where it's been introduced and has become invasive in places like North America.

Scientific classification

Species

Whiteclintonia (Albizia kalkora)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

9 m to 15 m

Plant Height

8 m to 11 m

Spread

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Whiteclintonia

Distribution of Whiteclintonia

Distribution Map

Whiteclintonia is native to the subtropical and temperate regions of Eastern Asia. Its range encompasses areas characterized by a mix of forested habitats across major regions within this continental zone. Whiteclintonia has not been widely noted for introduction or naturalization outside of its indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Whiteclintonia

Powder-puff shaped blooms from white to yellow, clustered with silk-like threads, bloom May-June.

25-30 silk-like threads per flower head, transitioning from white to yellow, 0.8-1 inch long.

Dark brown, oblong fruit pods, 3-6 inches long, containing 4-12 seeds.

Yellow-green bipinnate leaves, closing at night, with 3-6 pairs of pinnae.

Robust brown stem with fuzzy hair, zigzagging branchlets, and thick bark with furrows.

Coarse grayish-brown bark with deep ridges and furrows, offering a rugged appearance.

Moderate stem thickness of 0.2-0.4 inches, gradually smoothens as it matures.

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Care Guide for Whiteclintonia

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from dry regions, whiteclintonia excels in drought tolerance and prefers infrequent watering—approximately every 2-3 weeks. Thriving outdoors, it requires well-draining soil to mimic its native arid environment, preventing excess moisture that could harm its roots.

Fertilize: Whiteclintonia requires balanced N-P-K fertilizers for optimal growth. Apply monthly during spring and summer, and quarterly in dormant seasons. Water after application to enhance absorption, while adjusting frequency based on growth and soil conditions to ensure vitality and aesthetic appeal.

Pruning: Whiteclintonia benefits from regular pruning to enhance shape and health. Key techniques involve removing dead branches and thinning for air circulation. Prune in early spring for optimal growth and flowering, ensuring careful trimming to prevent stress and maintain aesthetic integrity.

Propagation: Whiteclintonia is propagated via healthy cuttings from non-flowering shoots. Cut below a node, apply rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil. Keep moist and provide indirect light until roots form, then gradually acclimatize the young plants to their growing conditions.

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