Quick answer: Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is native to 3 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Ricraider at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry |
| Soil | Sandy/rocky, limestone-based or igneous, high calcium carbonate tolerance |
| Bloom | Mar-Jul |
| Height | Up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Flowers attract hummingbirds, finches, other birds and insects |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Ocotillo
Where is Ocotillo native?
Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is native to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Ocotillo bloom?
Ocotillo blooms Mar-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Ocotillo need?
Light: Part shade. Water: Low water, Dry. Soil: Sandy/rocky, limestone-based or igneous, high calcium carbonate tolerance. Mature height: Up to 20 ft.
Is Ocotillo good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Flowers attract hummingbirds, finches, other birds and insects.
Is Ocotillo deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Ocotillo is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Ocotillo seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Fouquieria splendens on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Ocotillo.
- New Mexico locust Robinia neomexicana
- Yellow bells (esperanza) Tecoma stans
- Mexican buckeye Ungnadia speciosa
- Common sotol Dasylirion wheeleri
- Gambel oak Quercus gambelii
- Desert marigold Baileya multiradiata
Also listed under
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