Family: Bignoniaceae
Author: (Cav.) Sweet
Bibliography: Hort. Brit.: 283 (1826)
Year: 1826
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Chilopsis
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. & SC. U.S.A. to N. Mexico
Description
The Desert-willow, scientifically known as Chilopsis linearis, is a captivating plant species native to the arid regions of the southwestern and south-central United States extending to northern Mexico. It is widely appreciated for its striking beauty and resilience, making it a favored choice for xeriscaping as well as ornamental purposes in suitable climates.
Occupying a special place within the Bignoniaceae family, this deciduous shrub or small tree often grows in dry stream beds and along washes, where its adaptability to tough environments truly stands out. The Desert-willow exhibits long, slender leaves that resemble those of willow trees, hence the common name, though it is not related to true willows.
One of the most enchanting features of Chilopsis linearis is its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers which can range in color from pale pink to deep purple. These blossoms appear throughout late spring and summer, providing a splash of color and attracting various pollinators including bees and hummingbirds. The flowers are not just visually appealing; they emit a subtle fragrance that enhances their allure.
The plant was first formally described in the early 19th century and has since been recognized for its unique presence in its native habitats. Desert-willow’s capacity to thrive with minimal water makes it a particularly valuable species in regions with water scarcity. Its cultivation serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, as it aids in soil stabilization and offers an ornamental appeal to gardens and landscapes.
In conclusion, Chilopsis linearis stands as a remarkable example of nature’s adaptability and beauty. Its ability to flourish in demanding environments while providing ecological benefits and visual charm makes it an important species both in the wild and in cultivated landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: desert willow, desert-willow
Swe: ökentrumpet
En: Desert-willow, Desert willow, Desertwillow
Ml: ചിലോപ്സിസ്
Fa: بید بیابانی آمریکایی
Ru: Хилопсис
Sv: Ökentrumpet
Synonyms
- Chilopsis linearis var. originaria (Fosberg)
- Bignonia linearis (Cav.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 8, 2019 by Elven Moon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2017 by Linda Lawliss (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Lyviathan (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 1, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2015 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Barb T (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Lionel Avinzac (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Lyviathan (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 3, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Gayatri (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 24, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 24, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Pascal Dupuis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Pascal Dupuis (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2015 by EOL − Cedric Lee (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2015 by EOL − Tim Giller (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415072)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30013523-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chilopsis linearis (Cav.) Sweet)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 10.0
Ph minimum: 7.0