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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 10–11Type TreeClimate Subtropical
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — it commands attention in any landscape design; where it won't interfere with nearby structures

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

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

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Malvaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (200)

Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — it commands attention in any landscape design; where it won't interfere with nearby structures, image 146
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — tree with pink blooms; the tree produces oval pods filled with silky white fibers, image 98
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — a striking deciduous specimen; is a stunning deciduous or semi-evergreen tree
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — with a canopy spread of up to 40 feet
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — The tree's trunk is one of its most distinctive features; it is thick and bottle-shaped; reaches heights of, image 147
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — pink flowers in the garden; armed with woody conical prickles, image 163
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — scientifically known as Ceiba speciosa; the Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa), image 175
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the Silk Floss Tree thrives in full sun exposure and requires well-draining soils; it demands full sun and, image 124
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — recognizable by its unique and majestic stature; the tree's trunk is one of its most distinctive features; it is, image 111
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — reaches heights of 30-60 feet; offering a brilliant display when few other trees are blooming, image 69
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — offering a brilliant display when few other trees are blooming; these fibers can create litter when the pods, image 117
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — Its extensive roots make it ideal for parks and gardens, image 127
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — Notable for its bottle-shaped trunk covered in thick
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — tree for full; but it may require ample space for both aboveground and subterranean expansion, image 132
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — With potential heights reaching between 40 to 60 feet and spreading approximately 40 to 60 feet wide; creating an, image 79
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the Silk Floss Tree is adorned with large and showy pink or fuchsia blossoms
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — The tree's trunk is one of its most distinctive features; it is thick and bottle-shaped; reaches heights of, image 114
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the Silk Floss Tree thrives in full sun exposure and requires well-draining soils; it demands full sun and, image 157
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the blooming flowers can completely cover the tree; recognizable by its unique and majestic stature
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the Silk Floss Tree is adorned with large and showy pink or fuchsia blossoms, image 83
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — With potential heights reaching between 40 to 60 feet and spreading approximately 40 to 60 feet wide; creating an, image 145
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — Notable for its bottle-shaped trunk covered in thick; tree with pink blooms, image 71
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — orchid-like pink flowers in fall before leaf drop
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — it commands attention in any landscape design
Photographs by 14 contributors

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