Plant profile

Ocotillo

Genus Fouquieria

Ocotillo is a dramatic desert shrub in the genus Fouquieria, known for tall, wand-like stems and bright flower clusters that can be a valuable nectar stop when in bloom.

Plant Type

Cacti & succulents > Ocotillo

Aliases

Ocotillo

Native Range

Desert regions of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico.

Bloom window

Blooms can appear in warm seasons, often after favorable moisture.

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Ocotillo (genus Fouquieria) is a desert shrub with a bold, upright silhouette—many long stems rising from a single base. It’s famous for its bright flower clusters near the stem tips, which can provide nectar for visiting pollinators when the plant is in bloom.

If you’re building a pollinator-friendly garden, ocotillo is best thought of as a “right plant, right place” option: it shines in full sun with fast-draining soil and a low-water approach. In wetter or colder climates, it may be better suited to protected settings or used as inspiration for choosing other drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly plants that match your local conditions.

For pollinator support, the main value is the flowers—when they open, they can be visited by bees and hummingbirds. Pairing ocotillo with other bloomers that flower at different times can help keep your garden offering something to forage across the season.

Safety note: ocotillo stems are spiny. Plant it where people and pets won’t brush against it, and use protective clothing if you need to work nearby.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny, low-water landscapes where you want a bold, sculptural plant that can offer nectar when it blooms.

Ocotillo (Fouquieria spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/322056607 Photo: (c) Hugo Manuel Monreal-García, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Ocotillo
Bloom window	Blooms can appear in warm seasons, often after favorable moisture.
Typical height	Tall, upright shrub (often several feet tall)
Pollinators supported	Bees, Hummingbirds
Light & moisture	Full sun; dry to very well-drained soil
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny, low-water landscapes where you want a bold, sculptural plant that can offer nectar when it blooms.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Ocotillo adds strong structure to a dry garden and can provide nectar for visiting pollinators when it flowers.

What they need

Lots of sun, excellent drainage, and a light hand with watering.

One best action

Prioritize drainage—choose a spot that never stays soggy.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Ocotillo is a striking, low-water shrub that can support pollinators by offering nectar when it blooms, especially in sunny, dry landscapes.

Ocotillo can look completely different across the year—leafy after moisture, bare during dry stretches, and suddenly topped with flowers when conditions line up.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Flowers can offer a quick nectar stop for pollinators when they’re open.
A water-wise shrub can help you build a pollinator-friendly space without constant irrigation.
Its upright form adds shelter-like structure and visual interest year-round.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for a shrub made of many long, upright stems rising from a single base.

Leaves

Small leaves may appear after moisture and can drop during dry periods.

Flowers

Bright flower clusters form near the tips of stems when blooming.

Fruits

Small, dry capsules may form after flowering.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Desert scrub
Rocky slopes
Arid washes

Where it is often used

Dry garden focal point
Gravel garden or xeriscape feature
Back-of-border structure in a sunny bed
Wildlife-friendly landscape accent (with safe spacing)

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Ocotillo bloom timing can vary from year to year.

Bloom Season Role: Nectar stop when in bloom

Seasonal benefits

Adds color and nectar during bloom windows
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant bloomers to extend the season

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Full sun is best for strong growth and flowering.

Soil type

Fast-draining soil is essential; gravelly or sandy mixes work well. Avoid heavy, water-holding soils.

Moisture needs

Water sparingly once established. If you water, do it deeply and infrequently, then let the soil dry out.

Planting method

Plant where it has room—away from walkways and play areas—since stems are spiny. Set it at the same depth it was growing before.

Mulching tips

Use gravel or small stone mulch to keep the base dry and reduce weeds; avoid thick, wet organic mulch piled against the stems.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Choose a full-sun spot with excellent drainage.
Give it plenty of space away from paths, doors, and play areas.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and a bit wider.
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing previously.
Backfill with native soil (or a well-draining mix if needed) and gently firm it in.

Seasonal care

Keep weeds down so they don’t compete for water.
Avoid frequent watering; adjust only if the plant shows stress and the soil is truly dry.
Prune only if needed for safety or shape, and wear protective gloves and sleeves.
Check drainage after heavy rain—standing water is a red flag.

What not to do

Planting in soil that stays wet or compacted
Watering on a fixed schedule
Placing it too close to walkways or play areas
Using broad-spectrum pesticides nearby

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

Desert marigold
Penstemon (drought-tolerant types)

Mid-Season Bloom

Salvia (drought-tolerant types)
Blanketflower

Late-Season Bloom

Asters (dry-tolerant types)
Goldenrod (dry-tolerant types)

Ocotillo is a desert plant and may not be suitable for outdoor planting in Toronto’s winters; consider it for indoor conservatories, protected displays, or as inspiration for water-wise design principles.

GLOSSARY