Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
Last reviewed: July 2026
Fouquieria splendens (Ocotillo) is a distinctive desert shrub native to Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. This drought-tolerant plant produces striking red flower clusters from March through August.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Ocotillo as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
72"–240" H × 36"–60" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, TX
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds, nectar insects
Before you buy
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Ocotillo is a distinctive desert shrub with tall, thorny canes that reach 6-20 feet high and produce clusters of bright red tubular flowers at their tips. The plant loses its small leaves during dry periods but quickly regains them after rain, creating a unique seasonal appearance. This architectural plant creates a bold focal point in xeriscaped gardens.
Growing Ocotillo
Grow Ocotillo in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ocotillo takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The tubular red flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and provide nectar for bees and other beneficial insects. The extended blooming period from spring through summer offers consistent wildlife support.
Common questions
- When does Ocotillo bloom?
- Fouquieria splendens typically blooms from March through August, producing clusters of bright red tubular flowers at the tips of its long, spiny stems.
- What pollinators visit Ocotillo flowers?
- Ocotillo flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects. The tubular red flowers are particularly well-suited for hummingbird pollination.
- Where is Ocotillo native?
- Fouquieria splendens is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as northwestern Mexico.
- How much water does Ocotillo need?
- Ocotillo is extremely drought-tolerant and requires very little water once established. It is adapted to desert conditions and can survive on natural rainfall in most of its native range.
- Is Ocotillo toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ocotillo as toxic to livestock.
- Is Ocotillo HOA-friendly?
- Ocotillo takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Ocotillo? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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