Chilopsis linearis is a great small tree for a dry
garden. The Desert Willow gets to 15-20 feet tall and wide.
Chilopsis linearis naturally grows more as a bush but can be trained as a
tree if you start early and select just a few of the branches.
Chilopsis linearis has 1.5-2 inch white to purple flowers with purple
markings. Desert Willow can take temperatures as low as 10
degrees. Chilopsis linearis will do poorly if given normal garden
water. Irrigation should be limited as soon as the plants become
established. The Desert Willow bloom Spring through Summer and will
repeat if a significant rain comes out of season. Chilopsis linearis
flowers and leaves are used medicinally as both a tea and as a wash or
bath for bacterial and fungal diseases. The Spanish name for the
Desert Willow is Mimbre, meaning willow-like. The Desert Willow is
not a true willow but is in the Bignoniaceae with the Catalpa and the
related Chilopsis cross Chitalpa Pink
Dawn. Chilopsis linearis is native through the California
Deserts into Mexico and as fare east as Texas. The Desert Willow can
be found from 2000-5000 feet in washes and streamsides. Chilopsis
linearis is a good plant for bank stabilization.
High resolution images
of Chilopsis linearis are available
