< Back

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearsis

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon; 15 gallon

Desert Willow

In stock

25’x25’

Sizes:

Desert Willow – Chilopsis linearis
Also known as: Flowering Willow; Willowleaf Catalpa

Common along the dry washes throughout the Southwest, Desert Willow is a deciduous tree that typically grows in a shrubby, multi-trunked form, though mature specimens may reach up to 25 feet tall and just as wide. It can also be trained as a small patio tree and shaped into a single trunk, though its natural growth habit is multitrunked. Its long, narrow bright green leaves give it a soft, willowy appearance despite being unrelated to true willows.

One of its most ornamental features is the profusion of large, orchid-like flowers that bloom from spring through fall. These fragrant blossoms range in color from white to deep pink and attract a wide array of pollinators. Long, tan seed pods form after flowering and often persist into winter, adding seasonal interest. Desert Willow thrives in full sun or part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is well-suited to arid landscapes and wildlife gardens and is tolerant of both drought and reflected heat.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata); Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Nectar; Seeds; Nest; Cavity
Bird Species: Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low -Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Partial Shade

Mature size:

25’x25’

Growth rate:

Moderate-Fast

Flower color:

Lavender

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

Naturally a large shrub. Prune to form a tree if desired

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees but winter deciduous

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.