Chilopsis linearis

Desert Willow

Family BignoniaceaeGenus Chilopsis

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

Habit: shrub or treePlants of the World Online
Habit: Perennial, Shrub, TreePLANTS Database
Height: 15-25 ft4.6-7.6 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Spread: 10-15 ft3-4.6 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Flower: Pink, Purple/Lavender, WhiteExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms: Fall, Spring, SummerExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range: Arizona, California, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, New Mexico and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones: 7-11Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Sun: Full sunExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), SandExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture: Good Drainage, Occasionally DryExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Watering: Drought tolerance: HighPLANTS Database

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; PLANTS Database — USDA NRCS; Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Named for its willow-like leaves, it is no willow but a relative of catalpa and trumpet vine. The violet-scented flowers come after summer rains. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Chilopsis linearis
Indigenous people made bows and baskets from its wood. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Chilopsis linearis

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

No stated waiting before sowing. Then 3 days to germinate.

100% germination in 3 days.

Readers’ own records of sowing this species, published after review. Share your trial · All trials