Desert Willow, Flowering-Willow, Willowleaf Catalpa, Desert Catalpa, Flor de Mimbre, Mimbre, Bow Willow, False-Willow, Jano, Catalpa-willow
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is a striking, drought-tolerant small tree or large shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and graceful, weeping form, this species thrives in arid climates and is widely used in xeriscaping and native plant gardens.
Despite its name, Desert Willow is not a true willow (Salix spp.) but belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, which includes other ornamental flowering trees like catalpa and jacaranda.
Desert Willow is native to the arid regions of the southwestern U.S., including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California, extending into northern Mexico. It grows naturally along desert washes, riverbanks, and dry valleys, thriving in well-drained soils where moisture is intermittent. Adapted to extreme heat and drought, this desert shrub or small desert tree plays an essential role in desert ecosystems, providing food and shelter for local wildlife.
Desert Willow is a deciduous tree or large shrub with a graceful, open canopy and slender, arching branches. Its delicate, willow-like leaves give it an airy appearance, while its long-lasting flowers provide vibrant color from late spring to fall. It grows with a moderate to fast growth rate, making it an excellent choice for quick landscape establishment.
At first, this desert plant can grow three feet (90 cm) per year, but once established, it will slow down.
One of the most distinctive features of Desert Willow is its spectacular, trumpet-shaped flowers, which appear at the tips of its branches and resemble those of catalpa trees.
Following its flowering period, Desert Willow produces long, slender seed pods that persist on the plant into the following spring and produce seeds with winged hairs.
The Desert Willow features smooth, dark-grayish bark that becomes fissured and scaly as the tree matures. Traditionally, various parts of the tree, including the bark, have been used in herbal remedies.
The Desert Willow is a highly versatile tree with a range of benefits:
Ornamental Use: Prized for its trumpet-shaped flowers and graceful form, making it a popular choice in xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens.
Erosion Control: Its deep root system stabilizes soil, helping to prevent erosion in arid and dry regions.
Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used to treat coughs, fevers, and fungal infections, with parts of the tree valued for their healing properties.
Practical Applications: Indigenous communities utilized its flexible branches and bark for weaving baskets and making bows.
With its resilience and practical uses, Desert Willow is an invaluable addition to both landscaping and conservation efforts.
Desert Willow is hardy in USDA zones 7–11, thriving in hot, arid climates. It tolerates temperatures over 100°F (38°C) and withstands brief cold spells but may lose leaves in frost. It may survive temperatures as low as 10°F (-12 °C).
Desert Willow provides habitat and food for wildlife. Ladder-backed woodpeckers and ash-throated flycatchers nest in its branches, while mourning doves use it where options are limited. Hummingbirds, bumblebees, and native bees feed on nectar, and various birds eat its seeds. Mule deer browse small amounts, but livestock rarely consume it unless forage is scarce.
Desert Willow is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for gardens and landscapes. Its leaves, flowers, and seeds pose no known toxicity risks.
While livestock and wildlife rarely consume it, tender sprouts after fire may be occasionally browsed by bighorn sheep, deer, and rabbits.
Desert Willow is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal supplemental watering once established. It survives extended dry spells but benefits from occasional deep watering for better flowering.
Desert Willow can become weedy or invasive in certain regions if not properly managed. It self-seeds readily, potentially displacing native vegetation in some habitats. Regular pruning and monitoring can help control its spread, ensuring it remains a beneficial addition to landscapes without becoming overly aggressive.
Desert Willow thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in a sunny location ensures strong growth and abundant flowering.
This tree thrives in well-drained soil and adapts well to sandy, loamy, or rocky conditions. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 9.0. Poor drainage can lead to root issues.
Desert Willow can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, both of which are effective methods for growing new trees.
Desert Willow has no serious pest or disease issues. Watch for aphids or verticillium wilt.
Yes! Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is an excellent tree for arid climates. It is drought-tolerant, fast-growing, low-maintenance, and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Its beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers make it a standout choice for xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and erosion control.
Desert Willow is not considered invasive, but it can self-seed readily in certain conditions. In some areas, unchecked seedlings may spread and require management to prevent unwanted growth. Regular pruning and removing seed pods help control its spread.
Yes, Desert Willow is cold-hardy down to USDA Zone 7 and can withstand brief freezes. However, in colder climates, it may experience leaf drop or tip dieback. Young trees should be mulched at the base to provide extra protection from extreme cold.
No, Desert Willow is not toxic to humans or pets. Unlike true willows, it does not contain salicin or harmful compounds. However, livestock generally avoid browsing it unless food is scarce.
Desert Willow typically grows 15–30 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide, making it a medium-sized tree. Its open, airy canopy provides light shade, and it can be pruned to maintain a desired shape.
Hardiness |
7 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Bignoniaceae |
Common names | Desert Willow |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | California, United States, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
7 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Bignoniaceae |
Common names | Desert Willow |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | California, United States, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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