The Ocotillo is such an interesting plant often hidden away in slopes, mesas and washes that are open and rocky with well drained soil. They are a large scrub with long cane-like unbranched spiny stems that grow from a short trunk. After rain, 2 inch green leaves appear as in these pictures. Beautiful red flowers appear from the end of the stems from March through June.
The Ocotillo belong to the Fouquieria genus of which there are 11 species of the, most of which occur in Mexico. The Ocotillo is the northernmost of these species. The amazing and unique Boojum Tree (F. columnaris) is a close relative occurring in Baja. Fouquieria splendens.
Ocotillo an reach 20 feet in height and live for 60-100 years.
The pictures on this page of the Ocotillo were taken on the trail behind Cross Creek Ranch.
The Ocotillo belong to the Fouquieria genus of which there are 11 species of the, most of which occur in Mexico. The Ocotillo is the northernmost of these species. The amazing and unique Boojum Tree (F. columnaris) is a close relative occurring in Baja. Fouquieria splendens.
Ocotillo an reach 20 feet in height and live for 60-100 years.
The pictures on this page of the Ocotillo were taken on the trail behind Cross Creek Ranch.