Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): Desert Spire with Fiery Blooms

Overview

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is a unique, thorny desert shrub of the southwestern US and Mexico. For much of the year, it appears as a bundle of dead, spiny canes. But after rain, it rapidly leafs out with small green leaves along the stems, then crowns each cane with dense spikes of brilliant red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. The canes can reach 15–20 feet, creating a striking vertical silhouette. A true xeriscape icon, it thrives on neglect and provides dramatic seasonal transformation.

Key Features

• Form: Multiple unbranched, spiny canes from base; 10–20 ft tall.
• Leaves: Small, oval, drought-deciduous; appear days after rain.
• Flowers: Bright red, tubular, in dense terminal clusters; spring.
• Wildlife: Hummingbird magnet; seeds feed birds.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full, reflected sun.

Water

None once established. Rainfall only. Overwatering kills.

Soil

Native desert soil, extremely well-drained. No amendments.

Planting

Plant bare-root in cool season. Do not water for weeks after planting.

Taxonomy

Family:	Fouquieriaceae
Genus:	Fouquieria (foo-KWEER-ree-uh)
Species:	splendens (SPLEN-denz)