Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata
Desert-Willow
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Bignoniaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata (Desert-Willow) is a native California shrub / tree in the Bignoniaceae family, recognized by Desert-adapted member of trumpet vine family with willow-like appearance but orchid-like flowers.
Desert willow is a California native shrub found in southern California, eastern Transverse Ranges, eastern Peninsular Ranges, and desert regions in sandy washes at elevations below 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces delicate white to light pink or lavender flowers with yellow and purple throat markings, the blossoms fragrant and 2 to 5 centimeters long with jagged, wavy margins. Growing as a willow-like deciduous shrub 1.5 to 7 meters tall with arching branches, it has distinctive long linear leaves curved and 10 to 26 centimeters in length. Its leaves are generally alternate, sometimes mixed with opposite or whorled arrangements on the same plant, creating an elegant and dynamic growth pattern. The fruit is a slender linear pod less than 35 centimeters long, bearing seeds 6 to 12 millimeters long with long hairs at both ends.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Desert-adapted member of trumpet vine family with willow-like appearance but orchid-like flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sandy washes
Elevation: < 2100 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Monterey, Tuolumne, Los Angeles, Inyo, Yolo, Santa Barbara, Kern
Outside California: to Utah, New Mexico, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs × Chitalpa: Chilopsis has very narrow linear leaves; Chitalpa has broader lance-shaped leaves 2-6 inches long.; vs Salix: Chilopsis has showy pink-lavender trumpet flowers; Salix has tiny flowers in fuzzy catkins with no petals.; vs Nerium: Chilopsis has narrow scattered leaves; Nerium has broader lance-shaped leaves in whorls of three around the stem.; vs Catalpa: Chilopsis has narrow willow-like leaves under half inch wide; Catalpa has massive heart-shaped leaves 6-12 inches across.; vs Neltuma: Chilopsis has simple narrow leaves; Neltuma has twice-compound feathery leaves with many tiny leaflets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata native to California?
Yes. Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata bloom?
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata blooms May-Sep.
Where in California does Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata grow?
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata occurs in San Bernardino, Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Monterey, Tuolumne, Los Angeles, Inyo and other counties, at elevations of < 2100 m.
What plant family does Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata belong to?
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata is in the Bignoniaceae family, genus Chilopsis.
What habitat does Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata grow in?
Chilopsis linearis subsp. arcuata grows in Common. Sandy washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.