A Tale of Two Desert Trees

Spring in the desert has been a fascinating experience delighting all the senses. I have fallen in love with two trees as I watched them unfold in different, but equally delightful fashion. Because of these two trees, I was able to move past missing the delightful spring blooming trees I knew in Michigan.
The tree pictured above is the Desert Willow. It is not a true willow being from the Bignonia (Chilopsis) family rather than the Willow (Salix) family. If it were a true Willow it would have a very difficult time surviving in a low desert climate. It grows up to 20' tall and has linear leaves. The flowers are 1 1/4" , bell-shaped, light pink to lavender in color with yellow ridges and purple lines. Actually, they remind me just a bit of the Orchids that have been blooming in my house this spring:-) They attract hummingbirds, which is a plus in my mind, and provide food for the resident as well as migrant hummers.
The second tree which I have been so intrigued by is called the Desert Ironwood. It is a member of the Pea family, so I will expect to see pods developing as the summer progresses. I first noticed this tree in landscapes as I drove about our community. It reminded me a bit of the Crabapple trees that are blooming in the spring in Michigan. However, the blossoms were much more subtle and created almost a smoke-like appearance to the tree. One day when we were hiking in San Tan Mountain Park I saw several in bloom up close and personal. I realized that there were no leaves on the tree, only blossoms. At that time, I did not know what kind of tree it was -- I just knew it was beautiful! A few days later, I had the opportunity to ask the Park staff what the tree was and found out it was the Desert Ironwood.
I wish I could make room for this tree in my home landscape, but that isn't going to be possible. So I will just enjoy it on my hikes at the Park each spring. Of note is that the earliest blossoms have been replaced by tiny green leaves, which when mature will be 2 1/4" long and be a blue-green color.
Maybe some year you can come visit me in the Arizona in the spring and see these trees for yourself. I promise that you, too, will fall in love with them!