Chitalpa
× Chitalpa tashkentensis
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chitalpa grows in your area.
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A fast-growing deciduous tree that produces tubular orchid-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white throughout summer and fall. Highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it excellent for hot, dry climates.
Why grow it
Chitalpa offers extended summer bloom in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental trees struggle, with flowers persisting into fall. Compared to native desert species like mesquite or acacia, it provides more consistent ornamental value while requiring similar water economy once established. The hybrid vigor of this cross makes it more vigorous than either parent species (desert willow or catalpa) alone, useful for faster canopy establishment in landscape restoration.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent water during establishment; drought tolerance develops over 2-3 years rather than immediately. In cooler climates near the northern limits of its range, late spring frosts can damage tender new growth, and the tree may not reliably flower in short-season areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native Range
Central Asia (hybrid of Catalpa bignonioides × Chilopsis linearis)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing deciduous tree that produces tubular orchid-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white throughout summer and fall. Highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, making it excellent for hot, dry climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chitalpa grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chitalpa offers extended summer bloom in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental trees struggle, with flowers persisting into fall. Compared to native desert species like mesquite or acacia, it provides more consistent ornamental value while requiring similar water economy once established. The hybrid vigor of this cross makes it more vigorous than either parent species (desert willow or catalpa) alone, useful for faster canopy establishment in landscape restoration.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from consistent water during establishment; drought tolerance develops over 2-3 years rather than immediately. In cooler climates near the northern limits of its range, late spring frosts can damage tender new growth, and the tree may not reliably flower in short-season areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native Range
Central Asia (hybrid of Catalpa bignonioides × Chilopsis linearis)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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