Silk Floss Tree

Ceiba speciosa

“Trunk covered in spines. Pink flowers the size of your hand. Absolutely unhinged.”

The trunk is studded with thick conical spines that look like they belong on a medieval weapon — they're there to store water. In fall, before losing its leaves, the tree erupts in large pink and white flowers with dark purple centers. The seed pods contain silky floss used like kapok. A mature silk floss tree on a lawn is a conversation that never ends. Zone 9–11. Worth the wait.