Photo of Chilopsis linearis form by Panayoti Kelaidis

Photo by Panayoti Kelaidis

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Chilopsis linearis

Also Known As

  • Desert Catalpa
  • Desert Willow
  • Flowering Willow

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 15'-30'
  • W: 10'-20'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Chilopsis linearis plant details

Chilopsis linearis is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Chilopsis linearis

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: begoniaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Chilopsis linearis

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

DESERT OR FLOWERING WILLOW - DESERT CATALPA - A shrub or small tree growing native along desert washes having long willow like narrow leaves. It produces fragrant catalpa like flowers of burgundy pink from may thru frost. Hardy in zone 8-10, growing up to 25' in a sunny location. Tolerates drought. Hummingbirds love it. Large brown seeds pods after the flowering season.
Native to the washes of the Desert Southwest. Toughs out both drought and flood. Hardy down to zone 7 or 6. As with all desert plants, make sure soil is well drained. For sale are trees in small pots, 6 to 12 inches tall. WE CANNOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS INTERNATIONALLY!
The “desert willow” is well known to Southwesterners, where it grows along riverbeds and washes. It is also a nice ornamental small tree for its trumpet-like white spring flowers. One gardener has found it to be surprisingly cold-hardy in Pocatello, ID. Adaptable. -10 °F.

Gardening facts about Chilopsis linearis plant

How to Grow Chilopsis linearis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved