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Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis

Qualifies for Tree Enhancement Program

Climate Resiliency 4 out of 5 stars

One of our native trees. Naturally multi-trunked with an open crown, but can be trained into a single trunk. Narrow, 2 to 4 inch long, medium to bright green leaves give this tree a slightly weeping appearance. Clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers with ruffled upper and lower 'lips' grace the ends of the branches. The flower color of the native Desert Willow is most commonly a pale pink with darker markings on the lower 'lip' and a yellow and white inner throat. There are many cultivars available with flower colors in varying shades of white, pink, red and purple, including: 'Desert Hope', 'Warren Jones', 'AZT Bi-color', 'AZT Desert Amethyst', 'Lucretia Hamilton', etc. Seed pods break open then turn papery and persist throughout the winter. Gives a somewhat unkempt look in winter. Some cultivars also have reduced seed production. Volunteers in the landscape. Needs deep, infrequent watering. Prune for shape, especially if trying to form a single trunk. Do not top, this shortens the life of the tree.

  • Plant type: Tree, Native
  • Maintenance level: Medium, Low
  • Water requirement: Low
  • Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Reflected Heat
  • Height range: 20–30 Feet
  • Width range: 18–22 Feet
  • Canopy value: 236 ft²
  • Growth rate: Medium
  • Seasonal habit: Deciduous
  • Flower color: Pink, Purple, Yellow, White, Red
  • Flower season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
  • Fruit color: Green, Brown
  • Fruit season: Autumn, Winter
  • General foliage color: Green
  • Design style: Pollinator Plants
  • Hardiness cold tolerance: 10 °F
  • Soil preference: Sand, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
  • Native location: Southwestern U. S. and Mexico.
  • PH preference: Alkaline/Basic
  • Sunset zones: 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
  • USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

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