Ceiba speciosa (Silk Floss Tree)

Botanical names: Ceiba speciosa, Chorisia speciosa

Common names: Silk Floss Tree, Bombax

Family: Malvaceae    (Formerly:Bombacaceae)

Subfamily: Bombacoideae

Origin: Brazil to Argentina

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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This spectacular tree is rated among the most beautiful trees in the world. Silk Floss is a zone 9-11 tree that does well in humid states but also is very happy in dry areas such as California. It is known to be hardy in Phoenix, AZ, for example, down to 20'F. Silk Floss blooms in early fall in South Florida with abandon. In full bloom, there are almost no leaves. You see a huge mass of color with 10's of thousands of flowers. The blooms are actually highly variable, lily-like flowers in various combinations of white, pink, often with purple to red striations on the petals. The older the tree, the better the flower display. After blooming, pear shaped fruits appear which have a silky floss on the seeds, hence the name. Floss Silk Tree is also well known for the large spikes protecting the trunk and limbs. More decorative than frightening, spikes are very much more prominent when the tree is young. It is happy in most soils with good drainage and does not have any pest problems, Floss Silk is an premier tree choice for your landscape.

One of the most beautiful trees in the world. In full bloom, there are almost no leaves. You see a huge mass of color with 10s of thousands of flowers. Premier tree choice for your landscape.

See article about Ceiba speciosa.

Similar plants: Ceiba speciosa (Silk Floss Tree)

• Ceiba insignis (White Floss Silk Tree)
• Bombax ceiba (Kapok tree)
• Ceiba boliviana (Ceiba)
• Ceiba pentandra (Kapok tree)
• Ceiba samauma
• Ceiba schottii (Painera)
• Ceiba sp. (Ceiba)