Desert willow Chilopsis linearis
Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Deserts of the south-west US and northern Mexico. It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Desert willow in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Desert willow at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Deserts of the south-west US and northern Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Desert willow toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Desert willow
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Desert willow
- How far apart should I plant Desert willow?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Desert willow need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Desert willow need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Desert willow?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Desert willow flower?
- From about May for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Desert willow poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Desert willow?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Desert willow. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
Notes and assumptions
- Not a willow but a catalpa relative: orchid-like pink to purple trumpets all summer in heat; leafs out late.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cape honeysuckle Tecoma capensis
- Trumpet vine Campsis radicans
- Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Pink trumpet tree (ipê) Handroanthus impetiginosus
- African tulip tree (Nandi flame) Spathodea campanulata
- Nile tulip (markhamia) Markhamia lutea
- Indian bean tree (southern catalpa) Catalpa bignonioides
- Rosy trumpet tree (chomphu phanthip) Tabebuia rosea