Chilopsis linearis, commonly known as desert willow, is a large shrub
or small multi-trunked tree with a loose open crown. It typically grows to
15-25’ tall with a spread to 10-15’ wide. It is native to gravelly and rocky
soils in the Southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico where it is usually found
growing in desert grasslands, sandy washes or springs. This is a monotypic
genus having only one species. Showy, fragrant flowers bloom from April to
September with fruits maturing in fall and often remaining on the tree during
winter. It is treasured for its delicate, deciduous, willow-like leaves and
trumpet-shaped, catalpa-like flowers (each to 1 1/2” long) which bloom in 2-4”
terminal panicles from May to September. Flowers are lavender to pink but
occasionally white. Light green leaves (to 6-12” long spreading to only 1/2”
wide) are alternate, simple and linear to narrow lanceolate. Flowers are
followed by distinctive, slender, 1/4” wide seed pods (to 6-12” long), each pod
containing many winged seeds. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10 where it is best
grown in dry well-drained soils in full sun. Excellent drought tolerance. Excellent
as specimen or in small groups in residential landscapes. Particularly
effective near decks or patios. Desert gardens. Tall hedge. Screen. Roadsides
and median strips. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Growing Instructions
1. Soak the seed in water for several hours.
2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half
potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot.
Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
3. Sow the seeds on the soil. Don’t cover them with soil because they
need light to germinate.
4. Water the seeds.
6. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun. The
seeds usually germinate in 1-3 weeks.
7. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Lucas (verified owner) –
Good quality.
Michael (verified owner) –
Good service.
Riley (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Aadarsh (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Owen (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate