Chilopsis linearis and cultivars

desert willow

This plant grows well in the following regions:

CVCentral Valley
DTDesert
SCSouth Coast

Map of regions (click to enlarge)

Description

Desert willow is a good choice for stream-side planting, growing beautiful flowers, and attracting hummingbirds. It is native to streambeds and washes in arid regions of the western United States. The size of mature trees is 15-30 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide. Trees are fast growing at first, but once established will slow down.

Desert Willow is a deciduous tree, dropping leaves early in the season but leaving seed pods on the tree that may remain throughout the winter. Flowers begin blooming in spring and continue through fall. The flowers are trumpet shaped, very fragrant, and preferred by hummingbirds. Flower color shades vary from red, pink, purple, and white.

Many selections and cultivars exist, some of which do not seed or produce very few seeds. See links below for more information.