Ajo Mountain Drive Stop 15

Ocotillos will retain their leaves for several weeks before the leaves turn yellow and fall off.

NPS Photo/K Ceballos

Quick Facts

Location:

Mile 13.1 [km 21.1] along Ajo Mountain Drive

Stop 15

Waiting For Rain

Ocotillo look splendid when there has been enough rain to allow for it to grow dark green leaves in a spiral pattern around its branches. It may look as if this plant is a cactus because of its spines, but don’t be fooled, it is not a cactus! This plant belongs to the Candlewood Family and is the only representative of this family in the United States. It’s cousin, the boojum tree, grows mainly in Baja California, Mexico, and has been described as looking like an upside down carrot. These plants store water in their roots and stems. In drier times they shed their leaves and resemble long spiny sticks. Once the rain comes they restore just as if there was never a dry spell. Each spring leaves come out and brilliant orange-red flowers bloom at the ends of the stems. These flowers attract hummingbirds to pollinate the plant and are vital to the ocotillo’s survival. The nectar found within each tubular flower is a vital energy source, crucial to the hummingbird’s survival during its long and arduous migration. This mutually beneficial relationship is another example of adaptation to the desert environment.

These plants are not only beautiful but useful as well. Ocotillos are resilient and have been used for roofs and living fences by the Tohono O'odham.