Does a Desert Willow Lose Its Leaves?

Plant Appearance

• Desert willow has a relatively fast growth rate when young, gradually reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. It tends to retain its lower branches, so if you want a canopied tree prune the tree as it grows to give the desired head height beneath the lowermost branches. Young trees grow 3 feet a year, so shape the growth for relatively quick results. The long leaves give moderate shade and don't change color before they fall in autumn. They don't create a big litter problem. The tree is leafless for up to six months.

Flowers

• The large flowers are 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, with five widely flaring petals surrounding a trumpet-shaped throat. Often the throat is streaked with yellow and purple markings. The flowers have a scent reminiscent of violets and are attractive to honeybees, native bees such as bumblebees and carpenter bees and hummingbirds. The more than 20 cultivars come in a range of flower colors. "Hope" has white flowers and a yellow throat. Varieties with purple flowers include "Bubba," burgundy "Rio Salado," large-flowered "Lucretia Hamilton" and "Burgundy Lace." "Warren Jones" has pink blooms and almost evergreen growth in mild winter climates.

Cultivation

• Native from east Texas, west to California and south into Mexico, desert willow tolerates heat and drought and grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7b through 11. It prefers full sun but will also grow in partial shade. Desert willow grows in desert washes in nature, where there is good drainage. In a garden, it tolerates most soil types as long the soil is well-draining. Take advantage of the tree's deciduous nature, and prune the tree in late fall after the leaves have fallen and you can see the branch structure.

Uses

• Desert willow makes a focal specimen plant in a front yard or a patio, especially if you have one of the dramatically colored flower forms. With supplemental water, it blooms from spring into fall. Plant the tree near a window or where it frames a view. Use it for screening and to conceal utilitarian fencing. With appropriate pruning, desert willow can make a hedge or barrier. Even though the leaves drop, the branching structure is dense enough to still provide visual screening. Its sturdy wood was used for bow-making by native peoples, and branches used as fence posts and for making baskets. Bees make a delicious honey from the nectar.