description Saguaro Cactus Overview
The saguaro cactus, Carnegiea gigantea, is a columnar cactus native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico. Its tall, ribbed stem can develop side arms, while mature plants produce large white flowers that open at night and are pollinated by animals including bats and insects. Saguaros can grow beyond 12 metres and live for more than 150 years. They are a defining plant of Sonoran Desert habitats.
help Saguaro Cactus FAQ
Where does the saguaro cactus grow?
The saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea, is native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico. It is strongly associated with the desert landscape around Arizona's Saguaro National Park.
How old is a saguaro before it grows arms?
There is no single fixed age, because arm development depends on growing conditions. A saguaro may remain columnar for many decades before producing side arms.
When do saguaro flowers open?
Saguaro flowers open at night and usually close by the following day. The large white flowers are pollinated by bats, insects, and birds.
How tall can a saguaro become?
A mature saguaro can grow into a very tall columnar cactus with side arms, although height varies widely between plants. Its ribbed stem stores water and helps it survive the Sonoran Desert's dry climate.
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