Plant of the Month:  Chilopsis linearis  / Desert Willow Tree

The Desert Willow Tree is an excellent choice for the landscape because of its large showy flowers that appear in our warm months.  This small, low water use tree  was named for its willow-like, narrow, light green leaves.  The fragrant, orchid-like blooms are most often seen in shades of lavender and pink but a white variety is occasionally found. Narrow, four to twelve inch long seed pods which follow flowering appear on the Desert Willow and are very popular with birds.  This tree is deciduous and usually matures to a size of 20′ x 20′.  The tree has no pests or disease problems of concern.   Many cultivars are in nursery production and feature deeper colors and larger blooms.  Cultivar ‘Lois Adams’ is an almost seedless variety which  has a long season of bloom with beautiful clusters of magenta, trumpet-shaped flowers which are frequented by hummingbirds.