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Chilopsis linearis

Image of Chilopsis linearis

Maureen Gilmer

Family

Bignoniaceae

Botanical Name

Chilopsis linearis

Plant Common Name

Desert Willow

General Description

An upright, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or tree native to the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States, this willowy-leaved plant bears large, fragrant, tubular flowers from late spring until fall. The white, pink, or lavender flowers have yellow, purple-veined throats. Long bean-like pods follow the flowers. The long, green, narrow leaves drop in early fall. Many cultivars have been selected for flower color, habit, and other characteristics.

Desert willow is adapted to coarse, dry alkaline to acidic soils and full sun. It is a colorful garden plant that may also be used in land reclamation plantings. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Plants growing in drier soil conditions produce lighter flower color pigments compared to the same plants grown in slightly moister conditions.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    6'-30' / 1.8m - 9.1m

  • Width

    6'-25' / 1.8m - 7.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow, Purple, Pink, Lavender

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Fruit Color

    Tan, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes