Desert Willow - 'Bubba'
Chilopsis linearis
Care
full sun
very low
Fast; Prefers sandy or decomposed granite soil with moisture.
5–26ft tall , 10–20ft wide
Mar-Nov
Deciduous
Resistant
Yes
Prized
Desert washes and riparian areas in southeastern California (primarily San Bernardino, Inyo, and Kern counties); extends to Arizona and Mexico.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Desert Willow 'Bubba' in full sun and fast-draining soil - sandy or decomposed granite is ideal. This Bay Area native thrives in inland gardens and needs excellent drainage, so amend heavy clay with sand or granite if necessary. Plant in spring or early fall to give it time to establish before extreme temperatures.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer, then transition to minimal supplemental water once established - just 1 to 3 times per month in summer if needed. Prune in winter when the branches are bare and the plant is dormant; don't worry if it looks completely leafless, that's normal. The biggest mistake is overwatering: this desert native wants dry feet, so let the soil dry out between waterings and resist the urge to baby it.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Sonoran bumblebee, California candidate
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Summer breeding and fledgling provisioning
Early spring breeding season nectar source, critical for courtship and nesting energy
Foliage and shelter in arid desert habitat
Spring breeding season food and nesting habitat in desert washes
Spring migration and breeding season foraging habitat
Insects
Spring and early summer nectar and pollen collection
Larval host plant for caterpillar stage
Overwintering habitat and predation on aphids
Spring bloom nectar and pollen source
Habitat structure and insect predation on plant-visiting arthropods
Spring through summer nectar foraging
Nectar source during summer and fall generations
Early spring queen foraging for colony establishment
+1 more species
Reptiles
Spring and early summer foliage browsing during warm season activity