The Ocotillo

The graceful ocotillo has many thin, woody whip-like branches, or "canes," that grow from a central base. The arms are covered with thorns. The tips of the arms burst into a cluster of red flowers every spring, anywhere from March through June, depending on how much it rained the previous winter. During drought the entire plant may appear to be dead, but it is only in a state of dormancy to help it survive.

Mature ocotillos have up to 75 canes. The canes grow as high as 20 feet, and unless it has just rained, they remain leafless to prevent the plant's precious stored water from evaporating through the leaves. When present, the narrow, oval leaves are clustered above the spines.

Some people erect "ocotillo fences" by planting ocotillo plants in a row. The spines of dead ocotillos can also be used to construct fences, plus furniture and decorative objects.