Common Name(s): Desert Willow

Synonym(s):

Family: Bignoniaceae

Native To: Northern Mexico and southwestern United States

Native Habitat: Desert washes and water courses

Growth Habit: Small deciduous tree

Flowering: Pink to light violet flowers in late spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: C. linearis grows to heights of 10 to 30 feet with a leaning trunk and spreading, open crown. The bark is very thin and dark brown. The first year twigs are green, but later mature to a gray, reddish brown color. The pale green, willow like leaves are about 5 inches long and less than ½ an inch wide. Around May and June, the desert willow produces large, fragrant, orchid like flowers. The edges of these beautiful flowers are white, with pink to violet colored throats. The flowers are about 1 ½ inch long and wide and occur in clusters up to 4 inches long at the end of twigs. The flowers then produce long, brown, cigar like pods 4 to 10 inches long. Each pod contains numerous flat, tan seeds.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: The genus name, Chilopsis, is derived from a Greek phrase describing the lip-like flower. The species name refers to the tree's long narrow leaves. While this native of northern Mexico and the southeastern United States is not a member of the true willow family, it is commonly referred to as the desert or flowering willow. In Mexico, the tree is commonly referred to by its Spanish name, mimbre, which means willow like.

Ethnobotany: While this tree has various human uses, hummingbirds and bees mostly prize it for the sucrose rich nectar found in the flowers. This species is mainly used by humans as an ornamental or in roadside beautification projects because of its highly decorative flowers. The C. linearis is also occasionally used for fuel and fence posts or as a soil stabilizer. Native Americans used to use the wood to make bows and baskets. In Mexico, a tea is sometimes made from the dried flowers and seedpods.

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