Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): Drought-Tolerant Tree with Orchid-Like Blooms

Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), also called desert catalpa or flowering willow, is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub with narrow, willow-like leaves and showy, orchid-like flowers in pink, purple, or white with yellow throats from spring to fall. It is not a true willow.

Habit

Grows 15–30 feet tall with a spreading, open canopy. The bark is gray and fissured. The seed pods are long, slender, and persistent. Native to southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Culture

Full sun; extremely well-drained soil. Exceptionally drought- and heat-tolerant. Prune in winter to shape. Hardy in zones 7–11. Excellent for xeriscapes and wildlife gardens.

Taxonomy

• Family: Bignoniaceae
• Genus: Chilopsis
• Species: linearis
• Synonym: Chilopsis linearis subsp. linearis