by Walks On Rocks

I am fascinated with a recent discovery. In the desert southwest the Ocotillo Cactus (Fouquieria splendens) is harvested to create living fences and other garden features. It is a material that is exciting in that it is unique to the region where it is used and it really gives a sense of the place.

by Walks On Rocks

Like many cactus, the plant comes alive, in a sense, when water is available. While the stems can look dead – even thought they are not, when dormant, it is amazing to me that when they leaf out, the leaves almost look like boxwood.

Poppies with ocotillo fence in the background by alicia_d_lars

Ocotillo cactus is harvested and used in garden construction. Rancho Lobos is a producer of ocotillo fencing and this is how they describe the product:

These shrubs have been used by rural communities for ages in the construction of fences, ramadas and ceiling decorations. With the distinct feature that, when used for fencing, the ocotillo stems are buried about 4 to 6 inches into the ground, allowing them to root, providing a living fence that can grow up to 20 feet tall. For commercial purposes the stems are cut 2 to 3 feet from the base, choosing diameters between 3/4 to 2 inches, considered to be mature stems. They present little to no spines, except for the top part of the stem, which is trimmed to provide segments as uniform as possible 6 feet tall. Then they are woven together with a thin galvanized wire (cal. 18) to hold them together and allow growth. Making fence sections 5 feet long that can be easily rolled for transportation.

by Schooksonruss

This old corral fence was made from Ocotillo Cactus sticks. The sticks are also called Candlewood, Slimwood, Coachwood and Vine Cactus.

by fucher is now

In a way, I think it is similar to willow. I am wondering if there are other locally known plants that can, in this way, be used to create a natural barrier or fence. Do you know of any?

