GardenersHQ

How to Grow Albizia saman Plants in your Garden

Samanea saman is now the preferred scientific name of Albizia saman. It is commonly known as the Rain Tree.

It is a perennial rain tree that comes from the family Fabaceae. It grows fine in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

Albizia saman tree, the Rain Tree
Rain Tree photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

This primarily deciduous tree is native to Central America and Northern South America. As it has a wide canopy it is often grown to bring shade to a location.

Rain tree
Samanea (Albizia) saman photograph by Forest and Kim Starr.

The rain tree can survive in a variety of warmer environments including dry lowland grassland, coastal bushland, dry deciduous and semi-deciduous forest, and in evergreen and tropical environments.

Samanea saman is a dome-shaped, spreading tree that provides shade for crops and other plant life beneath it. It is also often planted in parks for its shade.

The timber produced by the tree is soft and fairly strong making it useful for furniture, boat building, and construction.

Various parts of the tree can be used for food and medicine, such as the pods for food, the leaves for a laxative, and the fruit as a sedative.

Rain Tree trunk
Rain Tree trunk photograph by Dinesh Valke; CC.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Rain Tree

Albizia saman / Samanea saman is a moderately easy plant to grow.

Be aware that this tree is considered somewhat invasive in some regions because the seed is easily dispersed by livestock. So, check your local growing regulations before planting Rain Tree.

It grows best in partially shady to full sunlight conditions.

Loamy soil is best, but it will grow in sandy and even clay soil types.

Ideally the soil should be well-draining, but it will tolerate waterlogged soil as well. The rain tree is very versatile in warm areas and can survive in arid climates and in the tropics.

It is a prolific and fast-growing tree. It usually grows to about 30 meters (100 feet) in height.

The canopy starts low and can grow to be 30 meters (100 feet) wide. Enjoy the shade from the leafy canopy year after year.

Albizia saman Growing and Care Guide

  • Scientific Name: Albizia saman, Syn. Samanea saman.
  • Common Name: Rain tree.
  • Growing Zone: USA: 10 to 12
  • Life Cycle / Plant Type: Tree

Plant Details

  • Plant Height (Inches): 480 to 600
  • Plant Spread (Inches): 720 to 1200
  • Time of Bloom: Spring
  • Flower Details: White below, pink above
  • Leaf Foliage: Green
  • Fruit:
  • Growth Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal

Ideal Growing Conditions

  • Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight
  • Rate of Growth: Quick
  • Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
  • Soil Moisture: Moist

Caring Conditions

  • Care:
  • Level of Maintenance: Medium
  • Propagation: Seed
  • How to Prune:
  • Pests:
  • Diseases:

Further Information

  • Can Attract:
  • Tolerant of: Light shade
  • Best Garden Use: Specimen, Tree
  • Family: Fabaceae.
  • Closely Related Species: Beans, peas, and other legumes.

  • Miscellaneous: Pest tolerant, Non-native to North America, Attractive flowers / blooms
  • Genus Detail: Albizia
  • Further Reading and References: Here and Here

Albizia saman Flower closeup
Albizia saman flower photograph by Jan Smith; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Albizia saman. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Parochetus and Lathyrus plants.