Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis

The desert willow is a small, flowering tree (or large shrub) native to the Desert Southwest and Mexico. It is a member of the trumpetvine family (Bignoniaceae). The common name desert willow is derived from its habitat of desert-like locations and its resemblance to the willow tree, to which it is not related. The genus name is compounded from the Greek words Cheilos-, meaning "lip," and -opsis, meaning "resemblance." The species epithet means “linear” and describes the shape of the leaves.

Routine pruning during the first few years will encourage additional trunks to form.  Cutting back by 1/3 during the winter dormancy period will encourage branching and blooming. Deadheading will encourage additional blooms. As it blooms on new wood, the more it is pruned, the more flowers will be produced.

Desert willow is a deciduous shrub or multi-trunked, small tree with showy, fragrant. pink tubular flowers.  Its native habitat includes desert streams or sandy washes as well as canyons where subsurface water can be found for a good part of the year. It is a deep-rooted plant that gets its water from the water table. 

Use this flowering tree as a hedge or in a drought-tolerant garden. Growing quickly as a young plant, its growth will slow down as the plant matures. This plant may show a tendency to self-seed and should be monitored closely to prevent it from escaping into nearby landscapes and becoming a weed. When grown as a shrub, it serves as a form of erosion control.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease issues.  Aphids can be an occasional problem. Leaf scorch bacteria can also be an occasional problem. Its self-seeding habit makes it a poor choice in the landscape.