Their name in Spanish means “little torch” Ocotillos are named after the cluster of fiery red flowers you can find at the end of their stems from about March to June.

What can ocotillo be used for?

Native Americans place the flowers and roots of ocotillo over fresh wounds to slow bleeding. Ocotillo is also used to alleviate coughing, achy limbs, varicose veins, urinary tract infections, cervical varicosities, and benign prostate growths.

Do Ocotillos grow fast?

Ocotillos are routinely sold bare-root, often with no root at all. Expect these to take up to 2 years to re-grow their roots system and become established. Seed-grown ocotillo sold in containers with a living root system are widely available. These will grow fast and establish quickly.