Fouquieria splendens Engelm.

by Perry Crampton, Native Plants Class 2003
Common names: Ocotillo, candlewood, Jacobs staff and coach whip(3)
Family: Fouquieriaceae (3)
Synonymy: None recognized
Etymology: The epithet splendens means, to brightly shine. (6)

Identification
Growth form: Ocotillo is a drought-deciduous shrub.(2)
Roots: The root system of an ocotillo is shallow with lateral roots branching off a taproot.(2)
Stem: Numerous wand like branches originate from the root crown. The stems are from 9-25 ft. tall with spines to 1.5 in. Stems vary from very vertical to widely spreading in different individuals.(2)(4)
Leaves: Helically alternate, leafless most of the year but quickly foliates after rain. The leaves are small (up to 2 in.). The leaves are oval to obovate, entire margins, fleshy, occur in bunches and are gray-green. The petioles of leaves become spines.
Inflorescence/flowers: Ocotillo produces dense spikes of tubular red flowers that sprout from the stem tips. The flower has 10-15 stamens.
Fruit: Ocotillo has a capsule that splits open with 3 valves. The seeds are small, winged and wind dispersed.
Similar species: The ocotillo family is a small one of only 13 species restricted to the warm-arid section of North America (4).

Ecology
Life history: Ocotillo has a high rate of growth and mortality. Its life span does not exceed 70 yrs. Perennial.
Native/introduced: Native
Photosynthetic pathway: C3 (4)
Phenology: The flowering season can begin as early as February at low elevations and as late as May in higher elevations. Flowering lasts about a month. (1)
Distribution: Ocotillo is common in most of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and extends north to the southern tip of Nevada, south to central Mexico and east to central Texas. (2)

Uses
Human: Ocotillo is used for fencing, house walls and as an ornamental. The resin and wax from the bark is used for conditioning leather. The flowers can be soaked in cold water to make a refreshing beverage. Historically, apache Indians powered the roots to treat wounds. A beverage was made from flowers as a cough medicine.
Wildlife: Ocotillo is an important food for mule and white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep and antelope ground squirrels. Ocotillo has no forage value. (5)

References
1. Humphrey, Robert R. 1960. Forage Production of Arizona ranges. Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz counties. Bullitin 502. Tucson, Az: U of A. agri. Exp. Station. P. 137.

2. USDA, NRCS. 2002 The PLANTS Database version 3.5(http://plants.usda.gov) National Plant Data Center. Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA

3. Kearney, T. and R.H. Peebles 1951. Arizona Flora. University of California Press. Los Angeles.

4. Martin, W.C. and C.R. Hutcnins, 1980. A flora of New Mexico

5. Great Plains Flora Association. 1986. Flora of the Great Plains. Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas. 1392 p. [1603]