Home and Landscape
Chilopsis
- Chilopsis, Desert Catalpa, Desert Willow—Chilopsis linearis
- Family Bignoniaceae (Bignonia family)
Pest Alert
The invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) insect has been found on grapevine shipments sold at select Costco locations in Northern California between April 21 and May 19, 2026 and desert willows sold at Costco locations between June 24 and July 3. If you or someone you know has recently purchased a grape plant or desert willow at Costco, please help limit the spread of the insect and the plant disease it carries by contacting your local County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office right away. See the California Department of Food and Agriculture GWSS web page for more information.
Plant Identification
Chilopsis is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet tall. Leaves are long and willow like. Trumpet-shaped flowers are produced in various colors including reddish purple, lavender, rose, pink, or white, often with purple and gold markings. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Older trees develop twisting trunks.
Optimum conditions for growth
Chilopsis is native to desert areas and does well in full sun with little or moderate amounts of water. Prune to maintain shape.
