*🌿 NATIVE PLANT OF THE WEEK⁠ Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis, Zones 6–11)⁠ ⁠ Not a willow, but definitely a desert star. Found in arroyos of the Southwest, this small tree is beloved for its low-maintenance nature, drought tolerance, and show-stopping flowers.⁠ ⁠ 🌸 What’s to Love⁠ • Fragrant tubular blooms in white, lavender, pink, or purple — hummingbird and butterfly magnets.⁠ • Blooms late spring–summer, often again into fall.⁠ • Forms long seed pods that feed birds.⁠ • Thrives in heat with little water, pest, or disease trouble.⁠ ⁠ 🌱 Easy Care⁠ • Full sun + well-draining soil.⁠ • Prune young trees to single or multi-trunk shape.⁠ ⁠ ⚠️ Keep in Mind⁠ • Overwatering = weak growth and root rot.⁠ • Can self-seed widely (choose seedless cultivars if needed).⁠ ⁠ Want to read more about the desert willow? Check out “Desert Wonder Tree” in the 2011 July/August issue of The American Gardener at ahsgardening.org. ⁠ ⁠ #desertwillow #ahsgardening #sustainablegardening #nativeplants #arbore...