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tree
Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
A graceful native desert tree with willow-like leaves and showy trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white all summer. Extremely drought tolerant and a hummingbird magnet.
USDA Zones
7–11
Height
10 ft–20 ft at maturity
Bloom Season
May – September
Bloom Color
pink, purple, white
Wildlife🦌 Deer Resistant🐾 Groundhog Resistant
Pet Safe†🐕 Dog-Friendly🐈 Cat-Friendly
Garden🌿 Native to US🐝 Attracts Pollinators🦋 Attracts Butterflies🪶 Attracts Hummingbirds
† "Dog-Friendly" / "Cat-Friendly" means this plant is not listed as toxic by common horticultural references. It is not a guarantee of safety for all animals in all circumstances. If your pet ingests any plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.
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Sun Requirements
Full Sun
6+ hours of direct sunlight daily
Soil Type
well-drained, sandy, rocky
Care Requirements
Water Needslow
Maintenancelow
EvergreenNo
Complete Care Guide
# Desert Willow Care Guide
Desert Willow is a fast-growing native tree perfect for hot, dry climates. Despite its name, it is not a true willow and requires very little water once established.
## Planting
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid clay soils or areas with poor drainage. Water deeply at planting.
## Watering
Water weekly for the first year. Once established, water every 2–3 weeks in summer; monthly in cooler months. Very drought tolerant.
## Pruning
Prune in late winter to shape and remove crossing branches. Can be trained as a single-trunk tree or left as a multi-trunk shrub.
## Blooming
Flowers from late spring through fall — one of the longest blooming trees in the Southwest.