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Plant Fact Sheet BIGNONIACEAE The desert willow with its preference for wash habitats and willow-like foliage is not a true willow (Salicaceae) but rather a member of the bignonia (Bignoniaceae) family. This large shrub or small/medium tree can grow to thirty feet in preferred locations with well draining soil and adequate moisture. The desert willow has three subspecies and is widespread in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico occurring up to 5,000 feet in elevation. It is native to the Coachella Valley and can be found in the washes draining the local mountains. The tree is cold and drought deciduous with all leaves usually dropped by mid-December and re-emerging in the low desert sometime in March. The sculptured branching pattern adds interest during the bare stage while allowing the low winter sun to shine through. The flowers begin to appear as early as April and continue blooming into the fall months. The fragrant, orchid-like blossoms range in color from white to pink to burgundy. If looking for a specific color, select from known cultivars that are produced commercially or wait until the trees are in bloom.
The numerous papery, winged seeds are released from 8” long thin persistent pods. They germinate easily and will volunteer quite readily in the garden. Trees with a favorite flower color can be grown from cuttings taken in the fall or winter. Desert willows will grow rapidly -- 3 feet a year for several years with regular watering. Drought tolerance is good even in the low desert and established trees can be watered once or twice a month in the warm months. Watch the plants -- if they’re dropping a lot of leaves in the summer, they could probably use a drink. Go easy on the fertilizer, because too much nitrogen will promote rank, uncharacteristic growth attractive only to insects like aphids. The flowers are pollinated by bees and attractive to hummingbirds. The seeds provide forage for birds such as Gambel’s quail. Desert willow can be seen throughout The Living Desert’s North America section.
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Desert
Willow
In
nature, Chilopsis linearis has a shrubby growth habit, carrying
its branches all the way to the ground and makes a wonderful screen or
shady rest stop for wildlife. In the garden, the canopy can be lifted
but care should be taken to work with, not against, the unique structure
of the branches. Haphazard pruning can lead to extensive suckering and
an uncharacteristic shape. Pruning the tree while it’s leafless
is a good way to be able to visualize the results of the cuts. 
