Species page
Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
Fouquieriaceae
Red
The ocotillo is one of the most characteristic species of the Chihuahuan Desert region of the Trans-Pecos. Its form, with many long, little-branched, wand-like, thorn-covered stems from the base, is a familiar sight in the Big Bend. Under drought conditions, it may be leafless; otherwise, the small leaves huddle close along the stems. Flowering depends somewhat on the rains but is usually best in spring or early summer.
