Few things are more frustrating than putting effort and money into improving the soil in your yard and garden, only to have that soil eroded away by rain and wind. Luckily, growing the right plants can go a long way towards holding the soil in place and keeping erosion from ruining your landscape. One of the best and most beautiful shrubs for erosion control is the stunning desert willow (Chilopsis linearis).

Desert willows boast fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers, and unlike some flowering trees, they can bloom from spring through autumn. Whether you grow your desert willows as large shrubs or small trees, their flowers are perfect for beautifying your yard. Even better, they hail from Mexico and the Southwestern United States, making them ideal for gardeners in those regions who are hoping to grow more native plants. Desert willows are such great options for erosion control thanks to their deep roots, which can help anchor soil in place. Those deep roots also make them quite drought tolerant and a great plant for anyone who wants to jump on the xeriscaping garden trend.

Desert willows are hardy in zones 7 through 11. With a height that doesn’t exceed 25 feet, they’re even suitable for smaller yards and gardens. Before planting your desert willow, be sure to pick out a spot for it that offers full sun and well-draining soil. Unlike true willows, which thrive in damp soil conditions, desert willows can easily succumb to root rot in soggy settings.

Desert willows aren’t only desirable because of their erosion prevention talents; they’re also a hit with pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This makes them the perfect perennial to add to your pollinator garden. Be aware that the shrubs can self-seed readily, which could be a positive or a negative, depending on your landscaping goals. Don’t be afraid to deadhead and prune your desert willow, as this encourages further flowering. These maintenance tasks should also help you avoid the mess that the desert willow’s seed pods and flowers can make.