Desert Willow – Desert Horizon Nursery

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

Light
Water
Low water once established. Water deeply during establishment, letting soil dry between irrigations. In Phoenix, occasional deep summer watering supports flowering; reduce watering substantially in winter.
Toxicity
Description
Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) is a Southwestern native small tree with narrow, willow-like leaves and showy trumpet-shaped flowers. Despite its common name, it is not a true willow.
Deciduous / Evergreen
Growth Rate
Foliage Color
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply during establishment, letting soil dry between irrigations. In Phoenix, occasional deep summer watering supports flowering; reduce watering substantially in winter.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil; tolerates alkaline desert soils. Avoid persistently wet soil and poorly drained clay.

Mature size: 15–30 feet tall and 10–25 feet wide, depending on cultivar and growing conditions.

Bloom: Spring through fall, typically April–October in Phoenix, with flowering in flushes during warm weather.

Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous; loses its leaves in fall or winter and leafs out in spring.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate moisture; slower under very dry conditions.