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California Native Plant

Chilopsis linearis

Desert Willow

Plant photo of: Chilopsis linearis
Information by: George Hull/SelecTree        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

This desert willow is open and airy as a small tree, and with age develops shaggy bark and twisting trunks. The fragrant flowers of the tree appear in spring or summer while the leaves will drop early. Large brown capsules appear in fall which are attractive to wildlife. Pruning this 25' tree can make it very attractive. Needs good drainage with loam or sandy soil in full sun. Is rather unattractive in winter. Native in desert washes to 5000'. Some supplemental water will improve appearance. Moderately fast growth. Seed pods are persistant. Cannot tolerate overwatering. Flowers on new wood. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. Bark is light green or light gray, exfoliating. Dry fruit produces some litter.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Width Range

6-12'

Flower Color

Pink, Purple

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

Bark Color

Green, Grey

Fruit Color

Brown

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Patio, Parking Lot, Street Tree, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Screen, Wind Break, Shade Tree, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.

If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.