Re: New potential weed
Barry wrote:
>Well not really new weed but i did see a Albizzia (the kind with yellow
>flowers) growing in the median strip between highway 1 near monterey.
>Ive never seen Albizzia julibrissin go out of control but i have heard
>the other species can get out of hand (and its a shame too since its a
>rather pretty tree)
Sounds rather like A. lophantha (although I believe they've gone and
changed the name yet again) which is possibly one of the fastest
growers in the family. Certainly in ideal situations, it has the
potential for large scale invasion and as lovely as it is, I would
worry about it becoming too established in certain areas. It can be
pretty winter hardy although not as frost resistant as A. julibrissin.
However, its ability to develop into a flowering tree and setting a
good many seeds in less than 15 months more than compensates for its
slightly tender nature. I grow both of the above species here in the
far south west of England and A. lophantha makes a 2.5 metre high
specimen laden with buds within 8 months, whereas A julibrissin
struggles to reach 75cms. in our climate. That said, A julibrissin is
a proven, hardy tree for S. England whereas A. lophantha requires a
sheltered spot in all but the most favoured of areas.
David Poole
