Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is a striking desert plant characterized by its tall, slender, spiny stems that rise dramatically from a central base in a fountain-like form. Despite its thorny appearance, Ocotillo is not a true cactus but belongs to its own unique plant family. Also known as Coachwhip, Candlewood, or Jacob’s Staff, it is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, particularly the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.
Its leafing pattern is highly adapted to desert life—sprouting small green leaves shortly after rainfall and shedding them during dry periods. In spring or early summer, vivid tubular red-orange flowers bloom at the tips of the stems, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. Ocotillo has long been used in native practices for fencing, medicine, and ornamentation. Its surreal, skeletal form and seasonal transformation make it both ecologically significant and visually iconic in dryland landscapes.
Ocotillo has a typical overall height between 8’-20’ (2.44-6.1 m) and spread diameter of 4’-10’ (1.22-3.05 m).
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is a striking desert plant characterized by its tall, slender, spiny stems that rise dramatically from a central base in a fountain-like form. Despite its thorny appearance, Ocotillo is not a true cactus but belongs to its own unique plant family. Also known as Coachwhip, Candlewood, or Jacob’s Staff, it is native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, particularly the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.
Its leafing pattern is highly adapted to desert life—sprouting small green leaves shortly after rainfall and shedding them during dry periods. In spring or early summer, vivid tubular red-orange flowers bloom at the tips of the stems, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. Ocotillo has long been used in native practices for fencing, medicine, and ornamentation. Its surreal, skeletal form and seasonal transformation make it both ecologically significant and visually iconic in dryland landscapes.
Ocotillo has a typical overall height between 8’-20’ (2.44-6.1 m) and spread diameter of 4’-10’ (1.22-3.05 m).