Scientific Name
Fouquieria splendens Engelm.
Common Name(s)
Ocotillo, Coachwhip, Candlewood, Slimwood, Desert Coral, Jacob's Staff, Jacob Cactus, Vine Cactus
Synonym(s)
Fouquieria splendens subsp. splendens
Scientific Classification
Family: Fouquieriaceae
Genus: Fouquieria
Origin
Fouquieria splendens is native to the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Description
Fouquieria splendens is an unusual spiny shrub with heavy branching at the base, and above that, the branches grow like poles and rarely divide further. It can grow up to 33 feet (10 m) tall. During most of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of long, spiny, dead sticks. However, with rainfall, it quickly becomes lush with ovate leaves. The stems can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, while the leaves can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long.
The flowers are orange-red to red (rarely pinkish, creamy-white, or white) and appear especially after rainfall in spring, summer, and occasionally fall. They are clustered indeterminately at the tips of each mature stem.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Ocotillo is semi-succulent with good drought tolerance once established and cold hardiness of 10 °F (-12 °C). This plant requires well-draining soil and full sun. When exposed to extreme drought, it tends to lose its leaves but leaf out in spring and summer rains.
The plant may be difficult to locate in a nursery. Ocotillo is protected, which means harvesting it from the desert is illegal. Plant Ocotillo in a shallow container as a stunning desert display in the home landscape.
Ocotillo has few pests and no known diseases, but watch for scale and sucking insects, which you can zap with insecticidal soap.
Links
- Back to genus Fouquieria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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