Meet the Palo Blanco — the desert’s version of a runway model: tall, slender, effortlessly cool, and a little bit wild. With its signature peeling white bark, wispy green foliage, and graceful, almost weeping form, Mariosousa willardiana brings a soft elegance to dry landscapes. Thriving in USDA Zones 8–11, this desert darling loves full sun, sandy or rocky soils, and the kind of heat that would make most trees wilt. Bonus: its airy canopy provides just enough filtered shade to keep things breezy without blocking those gorgeous desert views.
Palo Blanco
Watering? Keep it light. Palo Blanco is built for survival — give it regular watering in its first year to get established, then cut way back. Once mature, it's extremely drought-tolerant, happy with just an occasional deep soak during extra-long dry spells. Plant it where it can stretch out its roots and show off that stunning bark — it’s low-maintenance, high-style, and pure desert chic.