Fouquieria splendens

Common Names

Ocotillo, Candlewood, Coachwhip, Slimwood, Desert Coral, Jacob's Staff, Vine Cactus, Boojum, Candle Bush, Candelwood, Ocotillo Del Coral, Barda, Albarda, Ocotillo Cactus, Jacob's Cactus

Summary

Ocotillo is a desert shrub with tall, spiny, cane-like stems rising from a single base and leafless most of the year. Leaves appear after rainfall as green growth, and bright red-orange tubular flowers cluster at stem tips, attracting hummingbirds. Its vase-like silhouette and drought-tolerant habit make it a striking feature in arid landscapes native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant. Irrigation is minimal once established, with more water during establishment and in hot periods. Propagation is by seeds or cuttings. Commonly used as an accent, specimen, living fence, or barrier in desert landscapes. Pollinators attracted include hummingbirds and carpenter bees. It is not a true cactus and is hardy in USDA zones 8–11.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-20 feet

Spread

5-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy or rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.1-7.8

Bloom Color

Red to orange-red (scarlet)

Bloom Time

Spring, often into Summer and occasionally Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color, leafless most of year

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, other pollinators, birds