Ocotillo. Coach whip
Fouquieria splendens

Family: Fouquieriaceae

What it is like

Fouquieria splendens is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

It grows in arid, desert places. Dry, rocky hills, on slopes, plains and washes. Soils abundant of limestone, well aerated and also relatively warm. In the drier an lower part of its areal the soil is more sandy and loose.

Mesoamerica. Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Mexico, North America, USA.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Edible Portion: Flowers - drink, Seeds, Flowers - nectar. The flowers are soaked in water overnight and used as a drink. This is sometimes mixed with other juices. Flowers are collected, dried, and used as a tea. The capsules and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and have a tangy flavour. The parched seeds are ground into flour and used for cakes .

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

A fresh bark tincture can be made from the bark useful for fluid congestion. A water bath containing crushed flowers or roots has been used to relieve fatigue. Native Americans place the flowers and roots over fresh wounds to slow bleeding. Also used to alleviate coughing, achy limbs, varicose veins, urinary tract infections, cervical varicosities, and benign prostate growths.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating: 2

Poles as a fencing material. Often root to form a living fence. Ocotillo branches have been used for canes or walking sticks. Attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Pot plant. Indoor plant. A good specimen, hedge or container plant.

Experimental Crop: Plant breeders are testing these plants to see if they could be domesticated for cultivation, but they are still in an experimental phase. Examples include milkweed and leafy spurge.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Experimental Crop: Plant breeders are testing these plants to see if they could be domesticated for cultivation, but they are still in an experimental phase. Examples include milkweed and leafy spurge.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Climate: warm temperate to tropical. Humidity: arid to semi-arid. Altitude: 0-1500 m. Not a true cactus. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping - needs desert conditions, excellent drainage, full sun, no extra water. Soil pH requirements: 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 7.8 (mildly alkaline). Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: experimental. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagating it: Seed; direct sow outdoors in fall. Woody stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry

Things to keep in mind

Spines or sharp edges.

Its other names

Local names

Vine Cactus, Coach-whip, Coachwhip, Slimwood, Desert Coral, Jacob's Staff, Boojum, Candle bush, Candelwood, Jacob cactus, Ocotillo del Coral, Barda, Albarda

Synonyms

Fouquieria spinosa Torr. Idria columnaria Kellogg