Desert Willow
This is Chilopsis linearis, commonly known as:
Common Name: Desert Willow
Scientific Name: Chilopsis linearis
Other Names: Flowering willow, willowleaf catalpa (though not a true willow)
🌿 Identification Notes:
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Long, narrow, linear leaves (often 4–10 inches long)
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Often grows near washes or seasonal creek beds
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Can resemble true willows (genus Salix) but is unrelated
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Flowers (not shown fully here) are typically trumpet-shaped, pink to purple with yellow streaks
🏺 Medicinal Uses:
Desert willow has a rich history of medicinal use by Native peoples in the Southwest:
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Antifungal: Leaves and bark can be used to make an infusion or decoction to treat athlete's foot and other fungal infections.
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Antibacterial: The bark has mild antibacterial properties. Poultices or washes may be applied to wounds.
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Respiratory support: Tea made from the leaves or flowers has been used traditionally for coughs and congestion.
🌡 Preparation:
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Tea/Infusion: Steep leaves (fresh or dried) in hot water. Use 1 tsp dried per cup.
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Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves applied to skin for fungal infections or wounds.
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Drying: As you're doing, air-drying in shade is ideal to preserve medicinal properties.
🍴 Culinary Uses:
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Not typically used as food. No known culinary applications.
🛠️ Other Uses:
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Wood is lightweight but can be used for small woodworking projects or firewood.
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Ornamental: Desert willow is popular as a drought-tolerant ornamental tree.
⚠️ Toxicity / Lookalikes:
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Non-toxic to humans and animals (though not for eating).
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Lookalikes:
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Salix (true willow): Found near water sources but usually has more flexible branches and broader leaves.
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Tamarix (salt cedar): Has more feathery foliage and is invasive. Desert willow leaves are longer and more singular.
When I first moved out here to the high desert of far West Texas, nestled in the Davis Mountains, I was really drawn to the native plant life. But at first glance, I thought, “Well, this is the desert. What could possibly be growing here that’s useful?” I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Over time, I’ve learned that there are actually a ton of valuable plants out here. You just have to look a little closer. I’ve known for years that willow trees have analgesic properties, basically nature’s aspirin, so when I stumbled across a plant growing along one of our seasonal creeks called "desert willow," I got excited. But after a bit of digging, I found out it’s not related to the true willow tree at all, so I brushed it off and moved on.
Fast forward to this year. We've been in a pretty intense drought for the past four years, barely any rain during monsoon season. But this year? Total flip. We’ve gotten a good amount of rain, and everything has burst into green. I’ve been seeing plants I’ve never seen before.
To keep track of everything, I set up a little “Project” inside ChatGPT. Think of it like a digital notebook with separate sections. One folder I keep is called “Medicinal and Culinary Local Plants,” and inside, I’ve got individual chats for each plant I’m trying to identify and research. I log their uses, whether they’re edible or medicinal, plus how to harvest and prepare them. Of course, not everything out here is useful, but more and more I’m finding plants that are, and I’ve been loving the process of learning what to use and what to leave alone.
You might remember from earlier in the post that desert willow actually does have medicinal properties after all. Today, while I was driving home from visiting a friend, I remembered a patch I’d seen and decided to stop and grab a handful of stalks, of course I was careful how I harvested, only taking one or two stalks from each plant, I could see where the donkeys or other browsers have eaten some of these plants. When I got home, I gave them a good rinse under running water, some were pretty sandy, especially the ones low to the ground.
I tied them up with some cotton string and hung them in the breezeway to dry. Not completely sure how long it’ll take, but I’m hoping just a few days.
Once they’re dry, I plan to make a tincture. I’ve got both vodka and high-proof grain alcohol on hand (basically the store-brand Everclear), but I’ll probably go with the vodka. It’s supposed to take a couple months to be ready.
Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) makes a potent antifungal and antimicrobial tincture. Here's a detailed guide for making a desert willow tincture using the folk method, which works perfectly with wildcrafted herbs like yours.
🌿 Desert Willow Tincture Guide
✅ What to Use:
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Parts: Fresh or dried leaves, bark, and flowers (if available)
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If using dried material (like what you're hanging), just make sure it’s crispy dry with no mold.
🧪 Folk Method (Easy Ratio-Free Tincturing)
✂️ Step 1: Prep the Plant
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Chop or crumble the dried leaves and bark into small pieces.
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This increases surface area and improves extraction.
🧴 Step 2: Jar & Alcohol
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Fill a glass jar (pint or quart size) about ½ to ¾ full with the chopped herb.
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Pour vodka (at least 80 proof) or grain alcohol (if using fresh plant, go for 100 proof).
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Make sure all plant material is fully submerged.
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Optional: Add a label with the plant name and the date.
🌑 Step 3: Infuse
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Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
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Store in a cool, dark place.
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Shake daily for 4–6 weeks.
🧴 Step 4: Strain & Bottle
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Strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh into a clean jar or dropper bottles.
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Squeeze out every drop from the plant matter.
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Label: "Desert Willow Tincture, Alcohol Extract, [Date]"
🧠 Dosage & Uses (for Adults)
Internally (for coughs, colds, or mild infections):
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10–30 drops (½ to 1 dropperful) in water, up to 3x/day
Topically (for fungal or bacterial infections):
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Apply directly to skin with a clean cotton ball
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Or dilute with water and use as a wash or compress
⚠️ Safety Notes
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Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to lack of data)
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Avoid using on deep wounds or mucous membranes
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Mild allergic reaction is rare but possible. Always do a spot test first for topical use
What are you working on lately?
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This post is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider before using any wild plants, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medication. Never consume a plant unless you are 100% certain of its identification and safety.
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