ORANGE COUNTY ZOO
Photo courtesy of
Irvine Park Railroad
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Copyright 2005.
Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis
The desert willow, also known as desert catalpa, is not related to willows.
This large shrub often has a leaning trunk and can reach 25 feet tall. It
has an open, narrow, spreading crown and willow-like leaves. The
orchid-like flowers are pale purple or pink and fragrant. The flowers
bloom from late spring to early summer. The bark is dark brown and
furrowed into scaly ridges. The dark brown fruit is long and narrow.
Desert willow is found in moist soils of stream banks, drainages, plains, foothills, deserts and desert grassland zones. They can be found in southwestern Texas and new Mexico to southwestern Utah and southern California in elevations from 1,000-5,000 feet.
The wood is used for fenceposts. A tea is made from the
dried flowers and seed pods. It is important in erosion control and is
planted as an ornamental.
Native American Usage
The Native Americans used the stiff, durable wood for making bows.