Download Natural Habitat and Special Adaptations Temperature Extremes Soil

Natural Habitat and Special Adaptations
Ecological Interactions
* Grows near rivers or lakes so that it can take up
more water through its roots.
* Birds sometimes rest or build nests in its
branches.
* Loses its leaves during winter dormant period, from
November through February.
* Sphinx moth caterpillars feed on the leaves.
* Often grows quickly into a multi-trunk tree,
making it more likely to survive strong winds without breaking branches.
Seasonal Changes
* Leafs-out in March or April,
soon followed by flowers.
* Drops leaves in fall and remains leafless through winter.
* Seed pods ripen and open in
winter, so the seeds can be
ready to grow with the spring
or summer rains.
Human and Landscape Uses
* Some Mexicans, Tohono O’odham and Aikimel O’odham
use the smallest branches in basket weaving because
they are flexible. Wood is used in house construction,
bow construction and frames to hold ollas. Bark is used in
making nets, shirts and breechclouts. Medicinally, bark is
used topically as an antifungal agent.
Temperature Extremes
Special Care
* Drops leaves at about 30ºF (-1ºC)
but will not suffer stem damage until
18ºF (-8ºC) or lower.
* Watch for seedling
volunteers and pull them
while they are small.
Soil Needs
* Tolerates almost any soil.
* Pruning a few small branches
can be done anytime. Wait
to prune any large branches
until December or January.
Desert Willow
Type and Size
Mimbre
Chilopsis linearis
Tree to 25’ tall X 25’ wide
Water Needs
Moderate
Flower Color
White, Pink or
Magenta
Sunlight Needs
Full Sun
Flower Season
April to
September
Pollinators
Bees, Hummingbirds
Range
Texas to California
© 2005 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Natural Habitat and Special Adaptations
Ecological Interactions
* Grows near rivers or lakes so that it can take up
more water through its roots.
* Birds sometimes rest or build nests in its
branches.
* Loses its leaves during winter dormant period, from
November through February.
* Sphinx moth caterpillars feed on the leaves.
* Often grows quickly into a multi-trunk tree,
making it more likely to survive strong winds without breaking branches.
Seasonal Changes
* Leafs-out in March or April,
soon followed by flowers.
* Drops leaves in fall and remains leafless through winter.
* Seed pods ripen and open in
winter, so the seeds can be
ready to grow with the spring
or summer rains.
Human and Landscape Uses
* Some Mexicans, Tohono O’odham and Aikimel O’odham
use the smallest branches in basket weaving because
they are flexible. Wood is used in house construction,
bow construction and frames to hold ollas. Bark is used in
making nets, shirts and breechclouts. Medicinally, bark is
used topically as an antifungal agent.
Temperature Extremes
Special Care
* Drops leaves at about 30ºF (-1ºC)
but will not suffer stem damage until
18ºF (-8ºC) or lower.
* Watch for seedling
volunteers and pull them
while they are small.
Soil Needs
* Tolerates almost any soil.
* Pruning a few small branches
can be done anytime. Wait
to prune any large branches
until December or January.