Desert Willow Tree
Looking for a tree that provides long, reliable, and showy blooms, even in the desert?
Desert willow would be a great candidate!
It’s not only known for its beautiful flowers, but also for its casual yet graceful willowy shape and resistance to heat, cold, and drought.
Botanical name: Chilopsis linearis
Other names: Bow Willow, Desert Willow, Flor De Mimbre, Flowering Willow, Willowleaf Catalpa
Desert Willow trees for sale at the nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Desert Willow Tree Appearance
Desert willow looks like a large shrub in its original habitat.
In the garden, people typically keep it pruned to look like a tree. Commonly grows to 20+ feet tall and 10+ feet wide. If left unpruned, will grow multiple trunks and numerous branches. Open and airy growth that allows for some sunlight to filter through.
Very thin and long leaves- around 5 inches or so- that give Desert willow its nickname. Deep green to light green shade depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.
Deciduous tree that loses leaves when the weather cools down in the fall or winter and regains them in the spring.
Funnel-shaped flowers, about an inch long, when in bloom. Multiple patterns and colors that include purple, lavender, pink, and yellow. Long lasting blooms are fragrant and showy.
Followed by brown seed pods that release white, fuzzy seeds.
Close up look at the leaves and flowers of Desert willow tree
Desert Willow Tree Landscaping Tips
Very showy when in bloom. A favorite of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Frequent site of bird nests.
Can be pruned to a small or medium sized tree or large shrub. We don't recommend using Desert willow as a privacy hedge since it sheds leaves in the fall.
Can be messy due to leaf, seed, and flower drop. We don't recommend planting it near swimming pools.
Very rigorous tree in the desert that also provides color and fragrance to the garden.
To encourage more flowers, prune your Desert willow since the flowers grow on new branches.
Use to provide filtered shade during the hottest months of the year. Will not block as much sun in the cooler parts of the year after its leaf drop.
As a desert native, Desert Willow is an extremely heat and drought tolerant tree.
Desert Willow Tree Origin
Desert willow is from the desert in the Southwest of USA and Baja California, Mexico.
Desert Willow Tree Care
A Large Desert Willow tree at the nursery
Soil: Loose, well draining soil that is lightly fertile.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees for a short period of time. Does very well in heat.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade in the Palm Springs area is ok.
Desert Willow Tree Problems
Pests: Desert willow has minimal pests, which include aphids, especially when in bloom.
To control aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water. Repeated application is necessary to disrupt their life cycles.
Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, weak branch growth, leaf drop
Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin, leaf drop
Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring, lack of flowers
Desert Willow Tree Propagation
Obtain seeds from the seed pods once they have ripened on the branches.
Another option is to propagate via cuttings. Obtain a woody branch that is slightly green, and plant in moist soil.
FAQ
How much does a desert willow tree cost?
At our nursery, a Desert willow tree costs $120 for a 15-gallon container, $250 for a 24-inch box, $500 for a 30-inch box, $750 for a 36-inch box, and $2,500 for a 48-inch + box.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
Are desert willow trees messy?
Desert willows are somewhat messy due to leaf, seed, and flower drop.
How fast does a Desert willow tree grow?
Desert willow grows fast in the Palm Springs area, at about 2 feet per year.
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 20 feet x 10 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Purple, pink, yellow |
| FLOWER SEASON | Spring to Fall |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| WATER | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Fast |
| HARDINESS | 10º F, USDA Zone 7 |
| PRUNING | As Needed |