Desert Willow
The Desert Willow is not actually in the willow family but is called that because of the willow-like leaves. This is a Texas native that is very drought tolerant and has beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom repeatedly through the summer. If you want to attract hummingbirds, this is one of their sources of nectar. There is one white-flowering tree in this group, and all others are the more usual pinkish-purple. New cultivars have been developed offering more colors.
Because of its strong, flexible wood, Native Americans used the Desert Willow to make bows. In Mexico, the young branches of this tree are used to weave baskets. |
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