Silk-floss tree

Ceiba speciosa

Family: Malvaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Skin irritant to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

trunk and branches (sharp spines)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

sharp spines on the trunk and young branches (physical injury)

Hazard route

skin puncture on contact

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Pet verdict: not listed. The ASPCA has no page for silk-floss tree. That is not the same as safe; keep pets from chewing it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 10A-11 per UF/IFAS ST162 (the older sheet ST164 says 9B-11)
Light: Full sun; it flowers best there (UF/IFAS).
Water needs: low UF/IFAS rates drought tolerance high and wants good drainage and only occasionally wet soil. Always finger-test two inches down; Florida rain is very local.
Mature size: UF/IFAS: 35-50 ft tall, 40-55 ft wide; fast growing while young, then slower

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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