TREE AND SHRUBSLeaf it to me

Desert Willow

Plants in the desert must live under very difficult conditions.  They have to contend with temperatures up to 150°F, as well as with very little water.  On top of all that, the soil is full of salt.  The desert willow is such a plant.  It has adapted to life in the desert.  Its bright flowers also provide a surprise to people who don’t expect anything but brown grass and spines in the desert.

Technically the Desert Willow isn’t a willow.  In reality it’s part of the Begonia family.  No other Begonia grows in the entire state.  This plant can be found in Northern Mexico, southwest Texas and all the way into southern California.  It grows in deserts there. 

It’s a big plant.  This shrub can have 6 inch diameter trunks.  Overall the plant can be as much as 25 feet long.  Leaves grow as long as 6 inches with sharp spines at the ends.  Their flowers can be up to 2 inches long.  There’s even fruit on this plant in the form of cigar like pods that are 8 inches long.  They contain seeds with little wings that help them spread when they fall from the plant or are blown by the wind.

The Desert Willow has long roots that pool water all the way from the deep water table.  If they flower, it’s a sure sign water can’t be far.  It will either be standing water, or at least a full water table.  This plant will not flower without water.  A desert wanderer can look for these flowers to find water.  Don’t look for a Desert Willow in the ultra-dry deserts like the Atacama Desert where water is really scarce. 

The Desert Willow is also called Mimbre.  This name means “Willow like”,  and the Mimbre is used to brew tea.  This tea is made from the dried flowers.  The wood is strong enough to be used in fence posts.  It’s a plant with many uses for people.

The Desert Willow is pretty unique.

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