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Ocotillo

Fouquieria splendens

true

1 Gallon

Ocotillo

In stock

10-33'x15'

Sizes:

Ocotillo – Fouquieria splendens

Also known as: Candlewood, Coachwhip, Slimwood, Desert Coral, Jacob’s Staff

Ocotillo is one of the most iconic and distinctive plants of the desert Southwest. Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, it ranges from southeastern California and southern Nevada to western Texas and extends into northern and central Mexico, thriving from sea level up to 6,700 feet. It is especially common on arid, rocky hillsides, bajadas, and desert flats.

This spiny, drought-deciduous shrub grows in a vase-like form, typically 6 to 15 feet tall, though some specimens may reach up to 20 feet. Multiple slender, wand-like stems arise from a single base and remain leafless most of the year. However, after significant rainfall, Ocotillo bursts into leaf, producing clusters of short, oval, bright green leaves along its stems. These leaves fall off quickly once soil moisture is depleted. This process may occur multiple times in a year, depending on rainfall.

When leafless, the plant continues photosynthesis through its smooth, gray-green stems. In spring and early summer—especially after rain—Ocotillo produces dense clusters of bright red, tubular flowers at the tips of its stems. These blooms are a critical nectar source for hummingbirds and pollinators.

Ocotillo is long-lived, cold-tolerant down to about 10°F, and highly adapted to desert conditions. It prefers full sun and sharply draining soils and is a striking addition to desert gardens, habitat plantings, and restoration projects.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Confirmed for Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Monarch (Danaus plexippus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Bird Resources: Nectar; Insects; Nest Sites
Bird Species: Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus); Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

10-33'x15'

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.