Ocotillo
Fouquieria splendens
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © tsirtalis (iNaturalist #6033541)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fouquieriaceae
- Genus:
- Fouquieria
- Species:
- Fouquieria splendens
- USDA Symbol:
- FOSP2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire; cane-like stems may be killed but root crown survives.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid desert conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with warmth and moisture; fresh seed germinates best. Light may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in water to remove any inhibitors and allow full imbibition. They are then placed between sheets of blotter paper in nursery flats and wrapped in plastic bags to prevent desiccation. Viable germinants are transplanted into containers as soon as the radicle emerges.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in July. Nylons bags are placed over developing fruits early in the summer and seeds are collected from bags after fruits have dehisced. There is a small lot collection method where 3.2 pounds are hand collected into a paper bag. PVC containers used are 30 cm tall and 10 cm in diameter.
Source: npn.rngr.net