Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Succulent, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Pollinators | Hummingbirds |
| Has Spines | Yes |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
10-20' × 5-10' |
| Freeze Tolerant | Yes |
| Flowering Season | February-May |
| Flower Color | Orange/red |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 10 °F |
| Leaf Description | Small, rounded, sometimes with moisture |
| Fruit | Capsule with papery seeds |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Description | Another stunning and unusual drought-loving plant, ocotillo is an appropriate choice for landscapes throughout the lower elevation portions of Arizona. Ocotillo is made up of numerous upright to snaking wand-like branches covered in thorns. When given moisture, these plants rapidly put out an abundance of small oval to spear shaped leaves. This can happen within only a couple days after rains. In the late spring (and sometimes at other times of the year), the plants produce a spike of brilliant orange/red tubular blossoms at the tip of each long stem. Blooms will attract hummingbirds and mark the onset of summer. Ocotillo usually grows on rocky slopes and well drained flats, so provide ample drainage when planting. Use as a central specimen in a mixed cactus garden, or plant in a row for a striking visual effect. |
