A Flowering Tree in my backyard, what is it?

Asking your help in identifying this flowering tree in our backyard. We purchased this home in March, so are still trying to identify the various trees and plants found in the landscaping. No mean feat for a couple of previous city-dwellers, lol. I have 2 pictures of the tree, with the first photo being the whole tree, and the second photo being a closeup of the flowers that are blooming on it in clusters. I have not been able to identify it.

Some background info: This is in New Mexico, where it's very hot already and the ground gets minimal watering. This tree is blooming now in June, and began a few weeks ago, though it seems to be in it's prime bloom now. The flowers themselves do have a fragrance, but I can't really place it. It's almost like an almond-type faint odor.

I would so appreciate any help at all from someone who can identify this tree so we can start taking care of it as it requires. Here in the clay, dry soil of too-sunny New Mexico, it's a very refreshing tree to have in the backyard, so I want to make sure we take care of it's needs.

Thanks :)
Dawn

(Again, the first photo is the whole tree, and the 2nd photo is a closeup of one of the flower clusters on the branches)

 

Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis.

HTH
Chris

 

Thank you very much, Chris!

I checked for some more images of the Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis from your post, and there's absolutely no doubt that's what they are.

Thanks again! :)

Dawn

 

Well, actually there is a doubt. Your tree is a Chitalpa.

 

Ron's right it's a hybrid between Desert Willow and Catalpa (worse I knew that).
Chris

 

Ah, so it seems my tree is a Chitalpa, then? Okay, looking at the images and descriptions of both, I can see where it could be either. Is there one thing that gives it away definately as a Chitalpa? (as opposed to the non-hybrid Desert Willow?) Just so I know exactly what to call it.


In the end, though, is the maintenance or taking care of it the same for both trees?

And thanks again, to both of you :)

 

Yes, it's wider leaves are very distinctive trait. Chitalpa would benefit from watering
regularly. Water at the drip-line as Chitalpa is prone to leaf spotting diseases.

HTH
Chris

 

Characteristics inherited from catalpa half of cross also seen in inflorescences.

 

Thanks again, Chris and Ron :)

And thanks for the watering suggestion. I'll tell my husband, as he's in charge of tree-watering. :)

Dawn