The orange hummingbird trumpet flower, also known as Chilopsis linearis, is a striking desert flower that derives its name from its vibrant orange color and tubular shape that resembles a trumpet. This showy flower is highly adapted to attract hummingbirds with its visual display and offers of nectar rewards. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this captivating plant.
Quick Facts
Here are some key facts about the orange hummingbird trumpet flower:
- Scientific Name: Chilopsis linearis
- Common Names: Desert willow, flowering willow, linear-leaf willow
- Plant Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper Family)
- Native Range: Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico
- Flowers Bloom: Spring to Fall
- Flower Color: Vibrant orange with yellow striped throats
- Height: Typically 10-25 feet tall
- Habitat: Desert washes, streambanks, dry rocky slopes
- Soil: Well-drained, even rocky or sandy
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-11
Physical Description
The orange hummingbird trumpet flower is a deciduous large shrub or small tree that reaches heights between 10 and 25 feet. It has an open, spreading form with long drooping branches. The bark is light gray and smooth when young, becoming fissured with age. The leaves are long and slender, measuring 2-5 inches long, with entire margins. They are bright green above and paler green below.
From spring to fall, clusters of showy, tubular orange flowers appear at the branch tips. The flowers have a trumpet shape with flared openings measuring 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Inside, the flowers feature bright orange petals with yellow striped throats which serve as nectar guides for pollinators. After the flowers fade, slender seed pods 8-12 inches long develop.
Native Habitat and Range
The orange hummingbird trumpet flower is native to the hot, arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It occurs naturally in the following U.S. states:
- Arizona
- California
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Utah
Within its native range, it grows in desert habitats such as along washes and streambanks, dry slopes, canyons, and roadcuts. It thrives in areas with hot, dry summers and mild winters. This desert plant is well-adapted to drought, heat, and rocky or sandy soils.
Cultivation
The orange hummingbird trumpet flower can make a striking garden plant in hot, dry climates. Here are some tips for cultivating it:
- Plant in full sun locations with well-drained, even sandy or rocky soil.
- Water regularly until established, then only as needed during drought. Avoid overwatering.
- Prune in late winter to shape and encourage flowering.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Propagate from seed, cuttings, or root suckers.
- Hardy to zones 7-11, can be grown as an annual or container plant in colder climates.
- Naturalize in xeric gardens, borders, butterfly gardens, and native plantings.
Pollinators
The tubular orange flowers have evolved to specially attract hummingbirds. Their shape, colors, ample nectar, and lack of scent make them ideal for hummingbird pollination. Ornithophilous flowers like these rely on birds rather than insects for pollination.
Hummingbirds are drawn to the bright orange flower color and use their long beaks and tongues to sip the nectar located deep within the tubes. As they move between flowers feeding on nectar, they transfer pollen on their heads and beaks allowing for pollination. Some of the hummingbird species attracted to these flowers include:
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
In addition to hummingbirds, these flowers may also attract other desert pollinators like bees, hawkmoths, and orioles on occasion.
Uses for Humans
Beyond ornamental value in gardens, the orange hummingbird trumpet flower has some traditional uses for humans as well. Native American groups used parts of the plant for the following purposes:
- Medicinal – Roots and leaves were used to treat infections, pain, swelling, and snakebite.
- Food – Seeds were roasted and ground into flour.
- Fiber – Bark was made into cloth and rope.
- Wood – Branches were used for bows, arrows, and tool handles.
- Landscaping – Planted ornamentally for vibrant summer flowers and welcome shade.
Today, the orange hummingbird trumpet flower continues to be valued for landscaping, native gardens, and attracting hummingbirds.
Interesting Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about the orange hummingbird trumpet flower:
- Chilopsis is Greek for “lip-like” referring to the flower shape.
- Also known as flowering willow, but not actually related to willows.
- One of the few desert plants to bloom in summer and fall.
- Hummingbirds can see the flower’s unique UV patterns.
- The aromatic flowers produce no nectar scent.
- Seeds were used as beads by Native Americans.
- Adapted to thrive in dry washes that briefly flood after rains.
- Provides shelter for birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
- Can survive drought by shedding leaves to reduce water loss.
- Young shoots and leaves are poisonous if ingested.
Conclusion
With its showy orange trumpet flowers and adaptations for attracting hummingbird pollinators, the desert willow is one of the most unique and beautiful flowers of the American Southwest. This tough plant thrives in harsh conditions from summer heat to winter frosts. Whether seen growing wild along a desert wash or planted in a xeric garden, the orange hummingbird trumpet flower is a treat for both hummingbird enthusiasts and gardeners alike. Its striking flowers add vibrant color and welcome wildlife habitat wherever it grows.
