Ocotillo
(Fouquieria splendens)
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
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Photo by Easyscape
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by Easyscape
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | CC BY-SA 4.0
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Fouquieria splendens, commonly known as Ocotillo, is a deciduous shrub native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of the Southwestern USA and Northern Mexico. It is not a true cactus but is semi-succulent and shares some similarities with cacti. Ocotillo typically grows to a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 13-16 feet. Its form is characterized by tall, spiny, unbranched stems that can appear as a cluster of large spiny dead sticks when leafless. However, these stems are partly green and photosynthetic. The plant produces tubular orange to red flowers at the tips of the stems, which are especially showy in the late winter to early summer and can attract hummingbirds. After rainfall, Ocotillo quickly leafs out with small, ovate leaves that can persist for weeks or months.
Ocotillo is valued for its striking vertical form and vibrant flowers, making it a dramatic accent in xeriscape gardens, desert plantings, and as a living fence when planted in a row. It requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun with low water needs. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, rocky substrates. While it is generally disease-free, root rot can occur if overwatered. Ocotillo is not typically invasive but can spread through root suckers if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0
Ocotillo is valued for its striking vertical form and vibrant flowers, making it a dramatic accent in xeriscape gardens, desert plantings, and as a living fence when planted in a row. It requires minimal maintenance and is drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun with low water needs. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, rocky substrates. While it is generally disease-free, root rot can occur if overwatered. Ocotillo is not typically invasive but can spread through root suckers if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 10-15 feet
- Width: 13-16 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts
Other Names
Common Names: Vine Cactus, Coachwhip, Candlewood, Slimwood, Desert Coral, Jacob’s Staff, Jacob’s Cactus
Scientific Names: , Fouquieria splendens,
GBIF Accepted Name: Fouquieria splendens Engelm.