Chilopsis is a monotypic genus of efflorescence plant containing the single species Chilopsis linearis . It is screw commonly as desert willow or desert - willow because of its willow tree - same leaf , but it is not a true willow tree – being instead a appendage of the catalpa family . It is a small deciduous tree or shrub aboriginal to the southwesterly United States and Mexico .
At maturity , Desert Willows typically reach heights of 15 to 20 feet . However , under optimum condition , they can occasionally grow up to 30 feet . It often arise with multiple body unless trained otherwise . Its natural growth habit is somewhat irregular . The facing pages in the main run from 10 to 15 foot though this can vary based on pruning practices and growing conditions . The bark is smooth when vernal , becoming fissure as it ages .
In its initial years , especially with adequate pee and in favorable conditions , it can grow quite quickly , potentially adding several foot per year . As the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree matures , its growth rate tends to slow down but still maintains a temperate pace compared to other tree diagram of similar environments . The leave-taking are recollective , narrow , and willow - like , which gives the industrial plant its common name . They are usually 3 to 6 inches long and can be either deciduous or semi - evergreen depending on the clime .
The bloom are trumpet - shaped , reminiscent of catalpa or orchid blooms , with a flared closing . Each efflorescence is about 1 to 1.5 inches foresighted and can be slightly large depending on the variety . The natural color spectrum includeswhite , pinkranging tolavender , andpurple . Many cultivars have been developed with more acute or different shades , including deep purple , pinks , and even bi - coloured flower .
Inside the trump , you ’ll often find counterpoint colours like yellow , royal , or maroon . The flowers have a subtle , pleasant fragrance which attracts pollinator but is n’t overcome . Desert Willows efflorescence from late give to early spill , with peak bloom often come in former leaping to former summertime . In friendly conditions , some trees can have sporadic salad days throughout the growing season .
The flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds due to their tubular shape and ambrosia content . They also attract bee , butterfly , and other pollinating insects .
The fruit of the Desert Willow is along , narrow-minded pod . These pods are cylindric , slim , and elongated , often looking like bean plant or small cigars . They can grow to length of about 6 to 12 inches . Initially green , they mature to a dark-brown colour . The pods are initially soft but become woody and unannealed as they dry out . Inside each cod , there are legion small , flat seeds , each with a annex - comparable social organisation to help in winding dispersion .
Desert Willows thrive in arid to semi - arid surround , stand both rut and drouth well . They are often found in wash , canyons , and along streams where water is more approachable . They can live for many yr , with some report of trees pass on over 100 days , although this is less vulgar in cultivation and more in the wild where conditions might be more stable .
This plant life is very adaptable to dissimilar type of territory and weather , which aids in its increase versatility , but extreme conditions like prolonged drought or very moth-eaten winters might affect growth rate or cause leaf drop .
There are several named cultivars of Desert Willow that have been selected for their superior flowering characteristics , such as ‘ Bubba ’ , do it for its large , burgundy efflorescence , or ‘ prowess ’s Seedless ’ , which produces fewer or no seed pods , focusing more on flowering .
They are popular in xeriscapes , drive , and as ornamental trees due to its attractive peak and form . It ’s used for create privacy screens , as a specimen plant life , or in naturalise landscape . Provides nectar for pollinators and its ejaculate are food for thought for birds like finches .
