Chilopsis Linearis
(Desert Willow)The Desert Willow (also called the Flowering Willow and Desert Catalpa), is a small tree that often appears more as an upright shrub in the wild. It is not actually a member of the willow or catalpa family, but its slender leaves and flowers make it appear similar to these. It has attractive, orchid-like flowers, and is often planted for this purpose. These flowers appear from late spring to fall, flowering later if there has been a good rainy season.
This tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, and can grow rapidly, up to 3 feet per year. In the wild, this plant is most often found in washes, near areas that often collect moisture. By growing along washes, it often anchors the soil and helps to protect against erosion.
The Desert Willow is a common plant, and is distributed throughout the desert southwest. It favors desert climates, and has been known to grow in elevations up to 5,000 feet. Traditionally, the plant was used by Pima Indians to make hunting bows and baskets. It is now commonly planted in desert cities due to its large flowers, heat tolerance, and low water requirements.
This plant uses its flowers to reproduce sexually. The flowers can have a number of colors, including pink, white, rose and purple. The large flowers attract a number of pollinators, most importantly bees. A single plant produces both male and female reproductive organs, but it cannot self-pollinate, it must outbreed.
