Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © thunefeld (iNaturalist #7950415)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Bignoniaceae
- Genus:
- Chilopsis
- Species:
- Chilopsis linearis
- USDA Symbol:
- CHLI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white, lavender
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Eucaterva variaria, Iris eyed silkmoth (Automeris iris), Olceclostera seraphica, Rustic Sphinx (Manduca rustica), Satole ligniperdalis, Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Anthophora urbana, Bombus californicus, Bombus sonorus, ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Xylocopa californica, Xylocopa sonorina Hummingbirds: Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Calypte Gould, Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae), Lucifer Sheartail (Calothorax lucifer), Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), Selasphorus Swainson Moths:Eucaterva variaria, Rustic Sphinx (Manduca rustica), White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown following fire or severe pruning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Requires warm temperatures around 70-75°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seeds are collected when pods have matured and begin to split open. Germination rates may decrease with increasing storage times.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires darkness.