Ocotillo

A few days after rain, the dead-looking
ocotillo comes to life with new leaves.
In spring, long clusters of bright-orange
flowers may bloom at the branch-tips.
As the soil dries, the ocotillo sheds its
leaves and plays dead until the next rain,
when new leaves again appear. The spiny
stems can grow 20 feet tall, and form an
impenetrable "living fence" if planted
in rows.

Echo Bay

Don't miss the rest of our virtual tour of Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 876 images.