Common Name: Desert Willow

Scientific Name: Chilopsis linearis

Classification: Deciduous         USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10

Size:

• 15' to 25' width X 15' to 30' height

Growth Habit:

• Irregular shape
• No central leader
• Rustic appearance
• Willow-like
• Fast growing

Desert Willow Trunk	Desert Willow Immature Bark	Desert Willow Mature Bark

Bark: 

• Immature
  • Gray and smooth
• Mature
  • Rough and rustic

Desert Willow Leaf Arrangement	Desert Willow Long, Narrow Leaf Shape

Foliage:

• Deciduous
• Alternate and opposite leaf arrangement
• Long, narrow leaf shape
• Smooth leaf margin
• 4" to 12" long X 1/4" to 1/3" wide

Flowering Desert Willow	Desert Willow Inflorescence

Inflorescence:

• Ochid-like in appearance
• Long throat with large funnel shaped face
• Lavender, white, and magenta
• Fragrant
• Blooms late Spring through the Summer

Desert Willow Fruit Silique	Desert Willow Dried Silique	Desert Willow Seed with Hairs

Fruit:

• Silique
• 4 - 8" long
• Flattened seeds fringed with hairs at each end

Use:

• Small to medium-sized ornamental tree

Problems: 

• Over watering mature tree causes root rot

Culture:

• Tolerates
  • Poor quality soils
  • Alkaline soils
  • Drought
• Will not tolerate
  • Heavy clay soils
  • Wet, swampy conditions

Propagation:

• Soft or hardwood cuttings
• Roots best in sandy mediums
• Seed

Notes: 

• Flowers attract humming birds
• Great trees to plant in pasture as livestock generally will not eat
• The wood is used for fence posts and fuel
• The twigs are used to weave decorative baskets
• Possesses a nice rustic appearance