This is one of the desert willows (Chilopsis linearis) growing here on the grounds at COC. This particular specimen is about 12 to 15 feet tall. Although desert willows are classified as shrubs, they can grow tree-like to a height of about 25 feet. They are one of the Chihuahuan Desert's most beautiful plants; they grow in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts as well. The desert willows here at COC have just begun to bloom, but blossoms have appeared as early as November and have remained as late as September.
The flowers are about 1 1/2 inches long and are orchid-like, and the fruit is a 4- to 8-inch bean-like pod that hangs on the tree throughout the fall and winter. Although it is called a willow, the desert willow is really related to the Bignonia family of plants. One curious observation I have made--though one for which I can find no research literature--is that the blue mud dauber wasps appear here about the same time the desert willow flowers bloom; and the wasps land on the blossoms and seem to use them in some way.
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One of the best things about this willow tree is that it attracts a variety of birds. Right now there's a dove's nest in the tree and it appears that there's a mama dove sitting on some eggs. The other evening we saw the papa dove arrive at the nest, probably with some food for her.
Is COC cottage of Chappy??
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