Botanical Name:
Chilopsis linearis
Family:
Bignoniaceae
This plant is not related to a true willow although the leaves are somewhat similar as is the habitat – along a drainage.
Common Names:
Desert Willow
Habitat in Which it is Found/ Harvesting Season/ Special Considerations:
Along drainages in Arizona between 2,000’ and 5,500’. Commonly found in the Verde Valley, Sedona and drainages of the Superstitions. It is often seen in landscaping in Southwest towns at the right elevation such as Albuquerque and Sedona.
Collect the newest leaves near the end of branches in late spring.
Energetics:
Bitter, aromatic, acrid
Stimulates lymph movement, especially in the digestive system
Indications:
Useful for topical fungus such as athlete’s foot or nail fungus.
Can be used as a douche or sitz bath for vaginal candida or orally for thrush.
Internally, it works on gut issues, both infections and bloated, stagnant lymph.
Herbal Combos:
Its anti-fungal effect can be combined with the foliage of
Arizona Cypress
White Sage
Larrea
Yerba Manza root
Preferred Method of Preparation:
Infuse into oil or water for topical use. A fresh plant tincture is preferred for internal use.
https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CHLI2
The Plant Profiles are brief materia medica summaries of plants encountered during plant walks or introduced during class on our longer programs. They are presented here to help students organize plant info on an ongoing basis. Although the Profiles are not meant to be comprehensive, they are offered here to the public in the hope that others find these pages useful.
