Ocotillo Garden

A close-up of a tall red flower spike against a clear blue sky.

Fouquieria splendens (foo-KEER-ee-uh SPLEN-denz), commonly known as the ocotillo (oh-koh-TEE-yoh), was first described and named by George Engelmann after the French physician Pierre Fouquier (1776-1850). His description was influenced by the bright red or orange flowers that may be mainly pollinated by Carpenter Bees, hummingbirds or bats.

A bird perched on a leafless tree branch against a clear blue sky.

The name ocotillo translates to "little torch" in Spanish.

Plants are found within the United States in portions of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. They also are common to many locations in Mexico and extend far south as the state of Guerrero. Mature ocotillos can be seen in various locations up to 20 feet or more in height. The family Fouquieriacea currently has 11 species within the genus Fouquieria.

This garden features plants that have been rescued from many locations in southern Arizona