Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

   
 

Fig. 1. Flowers and foliage of Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis). Photograph by A.H. Harris. Fig. 2. Closeup of flower. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Desert Willow, Flowering Willow, Willowleaf Catalpa, Desert Catalpa, Bow Willow
• Common Spanish Names: Mimbre, Flor de Mimbre, Acuahuitl
• Scientific Name: Chilopsis linearis (kaiee-LOP-sis lyn-ee-AIR-iss)
• Family: Bignoniaceae (Catalpa Family)
• Geographic Range: Southwestern and Trans-Pecos Texas west to extreme southwestern Utah, southern Nevada, and southern California; northern Mexico.
• Plant Form: Small deciduous tree up to 25', occasionally more.
• Remarks: Excellent xeric tree; orchid-like flowers with shades of of pink, purple, and white appear throughout the warm season. Light water, full sun, good drainage. Attracts hummingbirds. Hardy.
• Ethnobotany: Ethnobotanical comments by Jane SpottedBird. To return to this page, use the back button on your browser.

Last Update: 4 Jun 2006