The green canopy across from the Zoo exit turns pink when these floss silk trees bloom, usually in September. In winter you can see the hanging seedpods, and in spring you can see bursts of fluff as seedpods split. Visit any time of year to see this tree's surprisingly prickly trunk.

Do all silk floss trees bloom?

The spines and branches on the trunk may be numerous or sparse, and occasionally, a tree will have none at all. The timing of the tree's flowering is affected by climatic conditions. Trees in Southern California generally come into bloom before those in Northern California.

Do silk floss trees lose their leaves?

Floss silk trees are deciduous and conveniently lose their leaves as plants come into bloom. In their rainforest habitat, loss of foliage eases access to their flowers by pollinating bats.