Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
Family: Bignoniaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Lavender, Pink, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal.
Chilopsis linearis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 9
Where it is found
Gravelly or rocky soils in arid desert washes and desert grasslands, 400 - 1600 metres. Plants attain their greatest size when growing along streams and in low places.
South-western N. America - California to Texas south to Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The blossoms and seedpods have been used for food.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the flowers is used for coughs and bronchial disturbances.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Other
Rating:
The young pliable twigs are woven into baskets. The bark is removed and the shoots are used unsplit as rod foundations in coil basketry. The bark has been used to make shirts and nets. Wood - coarse-grained, soft, weak, rather durable in the soil. Used for fence posts and fuel.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Pollard, Standard, Specimen. Requires a very warm sunny position in a very well-drained soil. Plants are likely to be intolerant of wet conditions especially in the winter. This species is not very hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c. The showy flowers are fragrant. Special Features:Attracts birds, North American native, Fragrant flowers, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Seed - we have very little information on this species but would suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. It will probably pay to protect the plants for their first winter or two in the open ground. There are about 75,000 seeds per pound, only half of which are viable. About 4,000 plants are usually raised from a pound of seed. Grows readily from cuttings.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist