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Silk Floss Tree

Ceiba Speciosa

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Overview

The Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa), a striking deciduous specimen, reaches heights of 30-60 feet, with a canopy spread of up to 40 feet. Notable for its bottle-shaped trunk covered in thick, conical spines, this South American native blooms with vibrant, orchid-like pink flowers in fall before leaf drop. Hardy in zones 9b-11, it demands full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established, providing dramatic visual interest in warm climates.

Sun FullWater Low, MediumZones 10–11Climate Subtropical

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

Mature height
40–60 Ft.
Mature width
20–40 Ft.

Classification

Family
Malvaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (180)

Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — a striking deciduous specimen
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — reaches heights of 30-60 feet
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — with a canopy spread of up to 40 feet
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — Notable for its bottle-shaped trunk covered in thick
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — orchid-like pink flowers in fall before leaf drop
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — it demands full sun and well-drained soil
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — and is drought-tolerant once established
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — providing dramatic visual interest in warm climates
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — scientifically known as Ceiba speciosa
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — is a stunning deciduous or semi-evergreen tree
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — recognizable by its unique and majestic stature
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — With potential heights reaching between 40 to 60 feet and spreading approximately 40 to 60 feet wide
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — it commands attention in any landscape design
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — The tree's trunk is one of its most distinctive features; it is thick and bottle-shaped
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — armed with woody conical prickles
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the Silk Floss Tree is adorned with large and showy pink or fuchsia blossoms
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — offering a brilliant display when few other trees are blooming
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — tree with pink blooms; the tree produces oval pods filled with silky white fibers, image 164
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — The Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa)
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the tree produces oval pods filled with silky white fibers; it is tolerant of different soil types but prefers those that
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — Its extensive roots make it ideal for parks and gardens, image 61
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — where it won't interfere with nearby structures; a striking deciduous specimen
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — but it may require ample space for both aboveground and subterranean expansion; providing dramatic visual interest in warm
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — pink flowers in the garden; armed with woody conical prickles

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