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Summary
Fouquieria splendens,
The flowers of Ocotillo are used in a variety of ways. They are soaked in water overnight to make a refreshing drink. They are dried and brewed as tea. The capsules and flowers are eaten raw or cooked, offering a tangy flavour. The seeds of Ocotillo are dried, ground into flour, and used to make cakes.
Ocotillo thrives in arid and semi-arid regions. It is not a true cactus but is highly drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping. It requires desert-like conditions, with excellent drainage and full sun. Ocotillo branches are known to be flexible and robust, making them suitable for building temporary or even long-lasting structures like ramadas or shelters. Ocotillo flowers produce nectar, a significant food source for hummingbirds, particularly during migration. The brightly coloured flowers also attract bees and other pollinators. Ocotillo provides habitat and cover for small animals. Its thorny structure offers protection from predators.
Ocotillo is native to Southern California, Southwestern Texas, and Northern & Western Mexico.
Physical Characteristics
Fouquieria splendens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Fouquieria spinosa Torr. Idria columnaria Kellogg
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Seed
Edible Uses:
Edible Portion: Flowers - drink, Seeds, Flowers - nectar. The flowers are soaked in water overnight and used as a drink. This is sometimes mixed with other juices. Flowers are collected, dried, and used as a tea. The capsules and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and have a tangy flavour. The parched seeds are ground into flour and used for cakes [183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Urinary
A fresh bark tincture can be made from the bark useful for fluid congestion. A water bath containing crushed flowers or roots has been used to relieve fatigue. Native Americans place the flowers and roots over fresh wounds to slow bleeding. Also used to alleviate coughing, achy limbs, varicose veins, urinary tract infections, cervical varicosities, and benign prostate growths.
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Agroforestry uses:
Ocotillo can be used as a drought-tolerant landscape plant, providing habitat and food for wildlife. Its structure offers shelter for birds and insects. Poles as a fencing material. Often root to form a living fence. Ocotillo branches have been used for canes or walking sticks. Attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Pot plant. Indoor plant. A good specimen, hedge or container plant. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – The bright red flowers of Ocotillo are known to produce nectar, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – Ocotillo provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small animals. Although not known for producing fruit that is a significant food source for wildlife, it contributes to the ecosystem through its dense structure.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
No – While Ocotillo’s structure provides shelter, it is not particularly noted for offering overwintering sites or producing substantial leaf litter that benefits invertebrates.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – Ocotillo does not have a strong scent that would act as a pest confuser or deterrent.
Special Uses
Carbon Farming
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Experimental Crop Management: Standard
Climate: warm temperate to tropical. Humidity: arid to semi-arid. Altitude: 0-1500 m. Not a true cactus. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping - needs desert conditions, excellent drainage, full sun, no extra water. Soil pH requirements: 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7.8 (mildly alkaline). Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: experimental. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation) [1-1]. Ocotillo is generally considered self-fertile, although cross-pollination can occur. The flowers can be harvested in spring when they bloom.
Ocotillo typically flowers in spring.
Ocotillo is a moderately fast-growing plant, particularly in optimal conditions, reaching heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) over several years. However, growth can slow during dry periods.
Carbon Farming
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Experimental Crop
Plant breeders are testing these plants to see if they could be domesticated for cultivation, but they are still in an experimental phase. Examples include milkweed and leafy spurge.
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Management: Standard
Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Seed; direct sow outdoors in fall. Woody stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Vine Cactus, Coach-whip, Coachwhip, Slimwood, Desert Coral, Jacob's Staff, Boojum, Candle bush, Candelwood, Jacob cactus, Ocotillo del Coral, Barda, Albarda
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (New Mexico (south), Texas, Arizona, California (south), Nevada (south)), Mexico (Baja, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Nuevo León (southwest), San Luis Potosí, Sonora, Tamaulipas (south), Zacatecas, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Querétaro)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
None Known
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Engelm
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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