Desert Willow is a small, deciduous tree native to the Southwest. Its long, narrow leaves resemble those of willows (Salix spp.), but they are not related. Its flowers occur in showy clusters at the tips of the branches and on new wood, occurring from late spring to fall, depending on the rainfall. Flowers are trumpet-shaped, sweetly fragrant, and range from light pink to light violet, rarely white or red. Its ability to withstand arid, harsh conditions, along with its beautiful flowers and long flowering period make it one of the Southwest’s best small native trees. It is easily cultivated but must have a well-drained site and must not be over-watered. Growth is irregular and requires attention to early trunk development. It can be pruned to a tree or shrub. Since it blooms on new wood, the more it is pruned, the more it flowers.