Quick answer: Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) is native to 5 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Well-drained limestone, adapts to sand/loam/clay/rocky |
| Bloom | Apr-Oct (heaviest May-Jun) |
| Height | 15-40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for hummingbirds/insects, larval host for white-winged moths |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Desert willow
Where is Desert willow native?
Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) is native to Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Desert willow bloom?
Desert willow blooms Apr-Oct (heaviest May-Jun). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Desert willow need?
Light: Full sun. Water: Low. Soil: Well-drained limestone, adapts to sand/loam/clay/rocky. Mature height: 15-40 ft.
Is Desert willow good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for hummingbirds/insects, larval host for white-winged moths.
Is Desert willow deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Desert willow is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Desert willow seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Chilopsis linearis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Desert willow.
- Yellow bells (esperanza) Tecoma stans
- Honey mesquite Prosopis glandulosa
- Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis
- Buffalograss Bouteloua dactyloides
- Rocky Mountain bee plant Peritoma serrulata
- Mexican buckeye Ungnadia speciosa
Also listed under
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