Chilopsis linearis
Family: Bigoniaceae
Plant Description: Tree 15- 25 feet tall, 10-15 ft wide. Deciduous. Leaves willow-like (linear). Flowers form clusters of large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, purple, rose, and white
Plant Trivia:
Field Identification: Superficially looks like a willow but belongs to a different family. Prolific blooming after rainfall (a common trait of desert plants. Low-branching, open-crowned small tree. Seed pods long andnarrow filled with layers of tightly bound air borne seed capsules.
Occurrence: Desert southwest, northern Mexico and Texas. Drought tolerant. Prefers loose soil (rock, sand crushed granite rock, limestone).
Bloom Period: Apr-Sept
Plant Use: Nectar source for bees, other insects and hummingbirds. Seed food source for some birds. Ornamental in xeriscapes, courtyards, and native gardens; also stabilizes soil in washes. Floral decoctions taken for coughs and bronchial problems in Mexico. Provides nesting material for native bees.
Propagation: By seed or by semi-hardwood cuttings. May be pruned to shape and remove dead twigs after winter.
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