Chilopsis linearis
desert willow
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Chilopsis linearis is a deciduous large shrub or small tree in the trumpet-creeper family, growing 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 m) wide with an open, often multi-trunked and twisting form. Despite the common name desert willow it is not a true willow; its narrow, willow-like leaves are 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long and 0.25-0.5 inch (6-12 mm) wide, light green and sometimes sticky. From late spring through early fall it bears clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, ranging from white and pink to lavender and burgundy, the throats streaked with yellow and purple. The flowers are fragrant and draw hummingbirds and bees. Long, slender seed pods 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) hang through winter. Native to washes and streambeds of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it is adapted to heat, drought, and alkaline soils, tapping deep moisture along intermittent watercourses. It is fast-growing but short-lived compared with many trees, and drops its leaves early in dry spells.
Native Range
Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from California and Nevada east to Texas. It grows along desert washes, dry streambeds, and floodplains where roots can reach intermittent moisture.Suggested Uses
Chilopsis linearis is grown as a small specimen or patio tree, a screen, or an informal hedge in desert and water-wise gardens. Its flowers draw hummingbirds and bees, and the seeds feed birds. It is also used along streets and in parking islands in arid regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to lavenderFoliage Description
light greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Chilopsis linearis grows in full sun and well-drained sandy, gravelly, or alkaline soils, and tolerates intense heat, drought, and reflected heat near pavement. It needs occasional deep watering to bloom heavily but rots in soggy ground. Established trees survive on rainfall alone in desert climates. It tolerates hard pruning and is often cut back to shape or to renew flowering. Cold below about 10 F (-12 C) can damage stems, though plants usually resprout.Pruning
Pruning is done in late winter while dormant, thinning crossing branches and shaping the open canopy. The tree flowers on new growth, so cutting back encourages bloom. Removing some seed pods can prolong flowering.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons