Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow)

Photographs

My photos:

This tree was growing alongside the wash at the bottom of Palm Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Photo was taken in February.

More photos:

Las Pilitas shows the flowers.

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Bignoniaceae

In the garden:

Desert Willow (not a true willow) is a large shrub or a small tree which grows between 6 and 30 feet tall. It has few to many stems with slender twigs. With age, it develops shaggy bark. Leaves are very narrow, curved, and deciduous. Flowers are funnelform - catalpa-like - with a lavender, pink, or whitish coloration, and are fragrant. They appear in May and keep coming until Sept. or frost. Flowers are followed by narrow seed pods which will remain on the stems long afterward. Hummingbirds live in this most of the summer. It grows easily and will thrive either in a well drained soil or in clay. It is highly recommended for use in dry semi-desert areas of the southwest. It can appear shaggy, but pruning will make it look handsome. Plant and stems look dead when dormant. As it requires hot temperatures to induce blooming, it is not recommended for coastal areas. It grows fast at first, then slows down as it approaches it’s full height. It should be given water during the summer.

In the wild:

Native to the Southwest and Northern Mexico. This plant grows where it’s roots can reach water. It is common along washes and water courses, below 5000 feet.

Ethnobotany:

Local people used the wood and fibers for construction and tools, and for clothing construction. The flowers and pods were used for food.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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