Desert Willow

Chilopsis lineraris

Despite its common name and willow-like appearance, Desert Willow is not a true willow. The showy flowers are broadly tubular, up to 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) wide, and have 2 ruffled upper lobes and 3 yellow and magenta-streaked lower lobes. The flowers are followed by long, slender, brown seed capsules. The leaves are green, untoothed, narrowly linear, and somewhat sickle-shaped. The bark is brown and rough-textured.


Details & Attributes


Plant Type(s) Tree
Size
In relative feet, width by height
20 X 10
Flower Color Pink
Fruit Legume-like
Range Map Click Here to View
Sun Full, Partial
Freeze Tolerance Poor
Ethnobotany/Medical Havasupai used in basketry; Hualapai used to make cradleboards; curanderas in Mexico use it to treat coughing, indigestion, and skin and vaginal infections.
Water Needs Moderate, Moderately High