Silk Tree
/ˈsɪlk ˌtriː/noun
A deciduous ornamental tree, usually Albizia julibrissin, recognized for its feathery leaves and silky pink flowers.
Did you know?Its silky “petals” are actually long stamens, and the species’ Persian name, gul-i abrisham, literally means “silk flower.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deru-
“Firm, solid wood; an ancient root associated with trees and durability.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*trewam
“Tree, wood, or something made of wood.”
Old English
Old English
trēow
“Tree; also wood or timber.”
Middle English
Middle English
tre
“A tree or woody plant.”
18th Century
English
silk tree
“A horticultural name for trees whose flowers or flower parts appear silky.”
Modern English
English
silk tree
“Common name chiefly applied to Albizia julibrissin, an ornamental flowering tree.”