Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
Also listed as Bignonia linearis
Climate Match for your location
See how well Desert Willow grows in your area.
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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.
Why grow it
Desert willow offers reliable summer flowering in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental shrubs struggle, making it useful for low-water landscapes where consistent bloom is desired. Compared to other drought-tolerant flowering shrubs, it tolerates both heat and poor soils while maintaining aesthetic appeal through the hottest months. Its deciduous habit also distinguishes it from evergreen alternatives, shedding water needs in winter.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from supplemental water during establishment, typically requiring a year or two before achieving full drought tolerance. In cooler climates at the northern edge of its range, late spring frosts can damage early growth, so siting away from frost pockets improves reliability. Seed pods can self-sow readily in favorable conditions, warranting periodic deadheading if volunteer seedlings become unwanted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Desert Willow grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Desert willow offers reliable summer flowering in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental shrubs struggle, making it useful for low-water landscapes where consistent bloom is desired. Compared to other drought-tolerant flowering shrubs, it tolerates both heat and poor soils while maintaining aesthetic appeal through the hottest months. Its deciduous habit also distinguishes it from evergreen alternatives, shedding water needs in winter.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from supplemental water during establishment, typically requiring a year or two before achieving full drought tolerance. In cooler climates at the northern edge of its range, late spring frosts can damage early growth, so siting away from frost pockets improves reliability. Seed pods can self-sow readily in favorable conditions, warranting periodic deadheading if volunteer seedlings become unwanted.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Bignoniaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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