Skip to content
← Plant Database
desert willow

desert willow

Chilopsis linearis

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 4bZone 10b

A drought-tolerant deciduous shrub native to the Southwest with narrow, willowy foliage and delicate orchid-like flowers in pink, purple, or white. Blooms prolifically in summer heat and requires minimal water once established.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
15–25′ tall × 10–15′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

high

Flood Tolerance

low
Zone 4bZone 10b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 4b to Zone 10b

pH Range

78.5
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 7 to 8.5

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Summer

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Southwestern United States and Mexico

Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas

Function & Care

erosion controlpollinator nectarywildlife benefitwindbreak
Coppicing

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting