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Speechless Sunday: a desert catalpa tree

desert willow and moon

On our way to Santa Fe from El Paso, I stopped to take a picture of this desert willow, or desert catalpa, by the side of the road. We recently planted one in our garden as part of our xeriscaping efforts, and I hope it grows up to be as big and beautiful as this one. The tree is native to the southwest. It is not really related to willows; quite the opposite, since it doesn't like a lot of water.

The blossoms have a faint scent that I think is sharp and soapy, rather than sweet. The bees like the nectar.

Robin Rogers, Realtor, Broker-owner, ABR, TRC, CRS

Also Cat Owner, Photographer, Smartass, Aspiring World-Class Drummer

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Posted by Robin Rogers, CRS: fun and professional real estate agent and investment adviser on 10/18/2009 04:48 PM

Comments (7)

Speechless Sunday Photos in the ActiveRain Channel

desert willow, catalpa, southwest gardening, xeriscaping, new mexico, organic gardening, bees

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7 Comments on Speechless Sunday: a desert catalpa tree

OCT

That is a very beautiful picture. I love the colors on the flowers as well as the astounding color of the sky in the background. Great capture!

I hope you'll remember me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC" and I will do the same!

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

Robin, I think it's pretty cool that you got the moon in the picture.

OCT

Thanks, guys! It was about 11:00 in the morning when I took the photo, too, so I was pleased that the moon was still visible.

Howdy there Robin

I sure do like your photo of the desert catalpa. If I was a little ole Bee, I sure would want stop and visit it. Thank you, for always given us such fine photo to enjoy look-en at.

Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting AR Signature

Robin,

I don't know that I've seen this before - quite beautiful. Think we are probably too humid for it. :)

Steve

OCT

Robin, I'm not familiar with this tree. I wonder if it grows in the Houston area? We are fairly subtropical so maybe not.

OCT

Hi, Marchel:

We bought ours at the garden center, where it's known as a desert willow. It might be okay in Houston if given good drainage. I read that it needs to be planted a little high, maybe even on a slight mound, to encourage drainage. I have seen more and more of them being used at retail centers and office buildings as an alternative to vitex, which tends to get messy and spindly looking.

Cheers,

Robin

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