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California Native Plant

Chilopsis linearis

Desert Willow

Plant photo of: Chilopsis linearis
Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer:

 

Description

The Desert Willow is open and airy as a small tree, and with age, develops a shaggy bark and twisting trunks. The pink to lavender colored, fragrant flowers of the tree appear in spring and through the fall while the leaves will drop early. Pruning this 25' tall tree can make it very attractive; in winter, however, it is not attractive but supplemental watering helps its appearance. It needs good drainage and cannot tolerate over-watering. It is a moderately fast grower. Flowers appear on new wood. It does best in full sun with well draining soil. Great plant in hot dry areas.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

12-25'

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green, Light Green

Bark Color

Grey, Tan

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

Spring, Summer

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Patio, Parking Lot, Street Tree

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Wind Break, Shade Tree

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Apply as little fertilizer as possible.

If you use fertilizer make sure it stays on the landscape, and carefully water it in so there is NO runoff.