Desert Willow
Chilopsis linearis

Common small desert tree.

Some plants can grow up to 30 feet tall.

Habitat: Arid grassland/desert scrub.

At the El Paso Zoo: Along the pathway in the Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit. 

Desert willow responds to heavy rains 2-3 times each year with pink flower clusters.  The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition recommends it as a water efficient tree to landscape with at home.  In the wild the leaves are eaten by mule deer and many nectar feeding birds and insects are attracted to the flowers.   Trees cool your house and save money and when you plant more trees you help to produce oxygen and clean the air. 

Photo credits
Cover – Cliff Hutson
Top – Ken Bosman
Bottom – CamiliaTWU