Desert Willow
BOTANICAL NAME
Chilopsis linearis
COMMON NAMES
Desert Willow, Desert Catalpa, Flowering Willow, False Willow, Jano
The desert willow is a little tree that adds color and fragrance to your backyard; provides summer shade; and attracts birds, hummingbirds and bees. The long, slender leaves make you think of willow, but once you learn some desert willow tree facts, you’ll see that it is not in the willow family at all.
Although its name indicates otherwise, this 10- to 15-foot shrub is not a true willow; rather, it belongs to the trumpet-creeper (Campsis radicans) family and it was named for its willow-like foliage. It blooms with large, trumpet-shaped flowers from the beginning of summer through the first frost and it is easily grown from seed.
Grow a Desert Willow
Desert Willow is drought-tolerant, and can be found growing naturally along our ephemeral streambeds or washes, where it offers natural protection against flood and erosion damage.
The seeds in the long, thin pods grow so readily that the tree is considered invasive in some areas. Planting desert willow trees from cuttings is also possible.
One of the most interesting desert willow tree facts is that the seeds establish themselves in newly deposited river sediments after seasonal flowing. The young trees trap and hold soil sediment as their roots grow, creating islands.
When you are trying to figure out how to grow a desert willow, remember that the tree is native to the desert. Choose a planting location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Desert willow prefers limestone soil, but also grows well in rocky, caliches, loam, sandy and granitic soil, with minimal need for you to add any organic matter to the soil. This low-water plant tolerates dry conditions and has a high drought tolerance. Allowing it to dry out between watering it helps encourage continual blooming.
MEDICINAL USES
The Desert Willow's flowers, leaves and bark have all been used in hot poultices and as a soothing tea for coughs. Other known uses were as treatments to guard against yeast infections, athlete's foot and as first aid for scrapes and scratches. Tea (from the flowers) produces a natural anti-oxidant, which promotes cardiovascular health and regulates glucose metabolism.
Buy Desert Willow Seeds Online
For US and Canada growers : Buy bull seeds from sheffields or retail packet form horizonherbs ( $2.95 for 30 seeds )
Asia grower can buy from TM Garden
International buyer can buy directly from Amazon ( Around $4.99 for 30 seeds)
