Chilopsis linearis

(Desert Willow)

Distribution of Chilopsis linearis in the U.S.

Chilopsis linearis is a genus of flowering plant. It goes by the common name of Desert Willow. It is given this name despite the fact that it is not a member of the Willow family. It actually belongs to the Bignonia family Bignoniaceae. This misnomer stems from the fact that the leaves of the Desert willow are slender and are willow like in structure. It is a deciduous shrub that can be found in Mexico and in the southwestern United States along riverbanks and washes. Habitats that usually are conducive to Chilopsis linearis are in arid deserts by rocky soils, and desert grasslands. They tend to be intolerant of extremely wet soils and thus needs soils that have good water drainage pathways.

Chilopsis linearis usually attain their largest size when growing in lower elevation and along streams. Usually it grows at elevations below 1500 meters however, according to Desert USA, it can be found at elevations as high as 5000 feet. It has the appearance of a shrub or a small tree and can range anywhere from 1.5 meter to 8 meters in height. Chilopsis linearis preferably grows in moist, shady or semi-shady areas. It also prefers to grow in alkaline, neutral and acidic soils.

There are two subspecies of Chilopsis linearis. The first is the subspecies linearis. These can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, Utah and Mexico. The second is the subspecis arcuata. These are found in Nevada, California and Baja California.

Around the month of May, flowers will start to bloom on the Desert Willow and will continue to blossom until about September. These flowers are mainly pollinated by large bees such as the bumble bee, Anthrophora, and Centris. The fruits of this tree are long and thin and are approximately 35cm in length. Also, this plant has been shown to have potential medicinal uses. One such use has been for bronchial disturbances and for coughs.

John Huntinghouse, Fall 2007