Ocotillo

FOUQUIERIACEAE: Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens

Ocotillo is one of the most striking plants in the desert, especially when its bright flamelike red flowers appear. It is hard to find examples of this shrub that are less than six feet tall. Many grow to 20 feet. After a rain, no matter the time of year, the ocotillo is covered with dense green leaves. Within a few weeks, the leaves turn red or yellow and fall off.

Ocotillo, Ocotillo Flat, 3 March 2008
Ocotillo, base of plant, Mine Wash, 2 September 2007
Ocotillo thorns, Truckhaven Trail, date unknown
Ocotillo, young leaves, Mine Wash, 2 September 2007
Ocotillo, mature leaves, Cactus Garden, 22 February 2010
Ocotillo, aging leaves, Location and Date Unknown
Ocotillo inflorescence, Desert Gardens, 22 February 2010
Ocotillo flower, Desert Gardens, 22 February 2010
Ocotillo fruit, Desert Gardens, 22 February 2010
A Mockingbird Finds Cover in an Ocotillo