Chilopsis is a monotypic genus native to the Southwestern US and Northern Mexico. Its only member, C. linearis is a small deciduous tree known as desert willow. Despite that name, it does not belong to the willow family and is totally unrelated to true willows. It is instead in the Bignoniaceae family along with the genus Catalpa, with which it has been hybridize to produce the intergeneric hybrid Chitalpa.
This is a lovely, drought-resistant tree for areas that cannot fit a larger tree. Its heat tolerance is stellar, with a few individuals growing even in Death Valley. The pink or occasionally white flowers have a long summer bloom and are quite charming. It is relatively new to our area but seems to grow very well so far. In my opinion, it is at its best when allowed to grow in its natural, sprawling, wild shape, but it can be pruned into a more upright, traditional tree without too much difficulty.
In fall and winter, it is not as impressive looking, though I think the twisting branches can be fairly picturesque on some trees. Early frosts in fall can cause the leaves to wilt abruptly in a not-so-attractive way, but this does not seem to harm them and they are successful in much colder climates than ours such as Northern New Mexico.
Like many trees of arid climates, it does not like waterlogged soil, but it seems to tolerate our typical clay soils as long as irrigation is not excessive. I have seen some individuals sustain sunburn injuries when over pruned. It is otherwise largely problem-free. Attractive but also functional, desert willows are growing rapidly in popularity across the arid southwest, and are a great choice for a smaller xeriscaped garden.
This is a lovely, drought-resistant tree for areas that cannot fit a larger tree. Its heat tolerance is stellar, with a few individuals growing even in Death Valley. The pink or occasionally white flowers have a long summer bloom and are quite charming. It is relatively new to our area but seems to grow very well so far. In my opinion, it is at its best when allowed to grow in its natural, sprawling, wild shape, but it can be pruned into a more upright, traditional tree without too much difficulty.
In fall and winter, it is not as impressive looking, though I think the twisting branches can be fairly picturesque on some trees. Early frosts in fall can cause the leaves to wilt abruptly in a not-so-attractive way, but this does not seem to harm them and they are successful in much colder climates than ours such as Northern New Mexico.
Like many trees of arid climates, it does not like waterlogged soil, but it seems to tolerate our typical clay soils as long as irrigation is not excessive. I have seen some individuals sustain sunburn injuries when over pruned. It is otherwise largely problem-free. Attractive but also functional, desert willows are growing rapidly in popularity across the arid southwest, and are a great choice for a smaller xeriscaped garden.