Ceiba insignis

white silk-floss tree

Bottle-trunk tree is covered in spikes. Semi-deciduous crown often drops leaves in fall to display hibiscus-like white flowers. Drought tolerant once mature; grows quickly with summer water.

	height	20–40ft
	width	15–35ft
	tolerates	Drought, Heat, Pots
	water needs	Low – Moderate
	water info	Occasional deep watering in summer will speed growth but tolerates drought once established.
	hardy to	25F
	exposure	Part Shade – Full Sun
	indoor outdoor	Outdoor
	drainage	In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
	fertilizing	All Purpose
	origin	W South America
	california native	No
	sunset zones	12–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Fertilizer will boost growth significantly. Can be transplanted at large sizes and tolerates root pruning.
Prefers a warm aspect in coastal zones, especially north of Santa Barbara.

Special Interest

Large football-shaped fruits split open to reveal fluffy “silk floss,“ profuse threads attached to the seeds that act as parachute-like agents of dispersal and have been used to stuff pillows. (Dandelion seeds disperse similarly.)