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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 demands full sun and well-drained soil; with potential heights reaching between 40 to 60 feet and spreading approximately
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — offering a brilliant display when few other trees are blooming; these fibers can create litter when the pods, image 84
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the blooming flowers can completely cover the tree
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — where it won't interfere with nearby structures
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the blooming flowers can completely cover the tree; recognizable by its unique and majestic stature, image 120
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — the Silk Floss Tree thrives in full sun exposure and requires well-draining soils
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — before the foliage emerges; notable for its bottle-shaped trunk covered in thick, image 119
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — but it may require ample space for both aboveground and subterranean expansion; providing dramatic visual, image 96
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — these fibers can create litter when the pods open.<br><br>For best growth; tree for full, image 123
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — It is tolerant of different soil types but prefers those that are moderately fertile; it commands attention in, image 125
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — and is drought-tolerant once established
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba Speciosa) — before the foliage emerges
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Ceiba Speciosa
Photographs by 8 contributors

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