Ethereal Native Plants for the Desert

Anacacho Orchid Tree

Bauhinia lunarioirdes, is a breathtaking small tree that blooms lovely white flowers in the spring. It’s semi-deciduous, meaning it will lose some leaves through the winter especially if it is cold and/or dry.

Photo courtesy of Spadefoot Nursery

Anacacho Orchid Tree can grow 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is shrubby by nature, which is common for desert plants. It appreciates moderate water, and will grow a bit faster with ample watering. It is a desert native, and once established it will do well with a deep soaking every two weeks in summer and every month in winter (which is variable depending on soil, sun, and microclimate conditions).

If you have a love for the cottage garden aesthetic like me, then this tree is definitely a must! I have dreams of mine maturing with an understory of Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa), smooth succulents like Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana), and butterfly magnets like Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

If you’d like help finding this special tree, or want to think of ways to include it in your landscape, get in touch! I’d love to help you.

Look at this beautiful bloom of the Anacacho Orchid Tree in my garden. It starts blooming early April in Tucson, Arizona.