Ocotillo In Bloom

Ocotillo (ak-a-tee-o) are inverted, funnel-shaped desert plants with several woody, spiny, whip-like, straight branches angling outward from the base and rising as high as 20 feet.

Their red flowers, 1/2 to 1 inch in length, appear at the ends of branches in March or April. Birds love them, enjoying munching on the leaves and seeds they leave behind. Hummers are attracted to their nectar.
 
Ocotillo are probably the most identifiable desert plant - and one of my favorites, especially from Spring when they bloom through the monsoon when the whips are a full and lush green.  The colors today were brilliant.  The cactus are in bloom, the sky is blue and the morning sun is bright and warm.