Desert-willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Sources: Zimmerman, Robert, 1969, Plant Ecology of an Arid Basin Tres Alamos-Redington Area Southeastern Arizona, Geological Survey Professional Paper 485-D, Washington, D.C.

Desert-willow is not a willow at all, but a member of the magnolia family. It is so named for the similarity of its long leaves to those of willows, and it is similarly riparian. But it also produces substantial and visually striking flowers:

The flower petals are at first predominantly white, but with a bluish interior which deepens to a richness with purple stripings:

Eventually very long seed pods form (see one at the upper right of the top banner photo).

For more detailed images, click here.

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