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California Native Plant

Chilopsis linearis

Desert Willow, Desert Catalpa

Plant photo of: Chilopsis linearis
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

The Desert Willow is open and airy as a small tree, and with age, develops a shaggy bark and twisting trunks. The pink to lavender colored, fragrant flowers of the tree appear in spring and through the fall while the leaves will drop early. Pruning this 25' tall tree can make it very attractive; in winter, however, it is not attractive but supplemental watering helps its appearance. It needs good drainage and cannot tolerate over-watering. It is a moderately fast grower. Flowers appear on new wood. It does best in full sun with well draining soil. Great plant in hot dry areas.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

12-25'

Width Range

6-12'

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

Bark Color

Grey, Tan

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

Spring, Summer

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Street Tree

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Screen, Wind Break, Shade Tree, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Lawn watering more than 5 minutes usually results in runoff. Use multiple cycle starts.