Chilopsis linearis
Desert Willow, Desert Catalpa
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'
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.