Chilopsis linearis (Desert willow) is in the Bignoniaceae family, and native to desert washes and stream beds in southern California, Nevada, Texas, and Mexico.
The tree is deciduous, and key diagnostics include leaves that are simple, 5-10” long by ¼” wide, alternate, drooping, opposite or whorled, grayish to bluish green, linear to linear-lanceolate, with smooth edges and blunt acuminate ends; young leaves are slightly sticky, and fall leaves have a dull yellow color. Flowers are showy loose clusters of tubular, bell-shaped, 1-2” flowers in racemes. Bark is thin, rough, and brown, with shallow interconnected furrows and ridges.
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| Chilopsis linearis - leaf shape and habit. |
This tree tolerates arid conditions, and poor or sandy soils.
1 comment:
The photos appear to be a Chitalpa (Cross between Desert Willow and Southern Catalpa). The Desert Willow has narrower leaves.
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