29 March 2012

The Scent of Desert Willow



I'm pretty convinced that the leaves of the desert willow, Chilopsis linearis, have a sweet scent that infuses the back entry from the time they emerge in spring through the fall. When I stick my face up to the leaves, I can smell it clearly, but when I pull a leaf off and crush it, it just smells like, well, green leaf. Nothing special. Maybe I'm going nuts, but I'm pretty sure...

6 comments:

Michael - Plano Prairie Garden said...

I detect what I refer to as a citrus scent around my desert willows. It seems to be most noticeable on still, humid mornings and evenings. It is a really nice scent, but difficult to pinpoint.

Deaton said...

I start my morning with Grackle. You are an inspiration. Please don't stop. My friends and I enjoy your photos, comments, and information. I bought sedge!

Lee said...

Hiya Bluestem. Yes, it is citrus-esque and very noticeable on still mornings and evenings, which is when I'm usually in the garden.

By the way, your garden is looking amazing right now. I'm forever envious of your prairie style. Love it.

Lee said...

Thanks Deaton! That's so wonderful a compliment...

Anonymous said...

i know what you mean, sometimes I step out my back door even in January, here in NC, and there's a scent in the air that is definitely plant, but the "flower" is unseen.

Anonymous said...

Maybe the wood itself is aromatic? I guess there's no rule it has to be the leaves or flowers that smell good.