Saguaro, Cereus giganteus, Pilocereus giganteus
Carnegiea gigantea, commonly known as the Saguaro Cactus, is one of the most iconic symbols of the American Southwest. Standing tall in the deserts of Arizona, California, and Mexico, the Saguaro is not only impressive in size but also in longevity, with some specimens living well over 150 years. These majestic cacti are synonymous with the desert landscape and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, supporting a variety of wildlife.
The Saguaro is a member of the Cactaceae family, which also includes the popular Chrismas cactus, prickly pear (opuntia), pincushion cactus (mammillaria), and the iconic San Pedro cactus.
The Saguaro Cactus is a large, tree-like cactus characterized by its tall, columnar trunk and branching arms that typically curve upwards. While young saguaros resemble simple, tall green columns, mature plants can develop multiple arms, giving them their signature shape.
The Saguaro has a tough, waxy skin and pleated ribs that allow it to expand and contract as it absorbs and stores water during rains. The green color of the cactus comes from the presence of chlorophyll in its outer skin, which allows it to photosynthesize and produce its own food.
The Saguaro Cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of the United States and Mexico. It is most commonly found in southern Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and southeastern California. Saguaros thrive in the dry, arid climate of the desert and are particularly well-adapted to survive the extreme heat and occasional cold snaps of the region.
In their natural habitat, Saguaros often grow on rocky hillsides and desert plains, where they benefit from well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is a stunning desert landscape home to the iconic Saguaro Cactus. Visitors can explore vast desert vistas filled with towering saguaros, some over 150 years old, offering a unique glimpse into the rich ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert.
The Saguaro Cactus is a columnar, tree-like cactus known for its tall, upright growth habit. It features a single, thick green trunk that often develops multiple arms as it matures. These arms curve upward, giving the Saguaro its iconic, branching appearance.
Saguaro’s surface is ribbed and covered with protective spines. Its vertical ribs enable the stems to expand as they gain moisture and to contract as they lose moisture.
Saguaros are famous for their enormous size. Mature plants can reach heights of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters), with some specimens growing even taller. In terms of spread, a Saguaro’s branches (arms) can extend outward, giving it a width of up to 10-20 feet (3-6 meters).
Saguaros grow slowly—typically 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) per year—so it can take many decades for them to reach their full height. After 50 years, this cuctus may be 6 feet tall (180 cm). It may sprout its first branches after 75 years. A Saguaro is considered a mature adult when it reaches around 125 years old, and it can live up to 150-200 years.
The Saguaro Cactus produces stunning white, waxy flowers, which are the state flower of Arizona. These flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, typically from May to June. The Saguaro Cactus flowers are large, about 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) in diameter, and often clustered near the tops of the cactus arms or the main trunk. The Saguaro flowers open at night and remain open into the early morning. A stem might produce more than 100 flowers at a time.
The Saguaro produces edible fruits that ripen in summer. These fruits are egg-shaped, fleshy, green, red to purple with a juicy, sweet, bright red pulp. They are delicious and have been widely gathered for food and wine-making.
This desert plant plays a significant role in both the natural ecosystem and human culture.
Ecological importance: Saguaros provide food, water, and shelter to a variety of desert wildlife. Their flowers, fruits, and seeds are consumed by bats, birds, insects, and mammals. Birds, such as Gila woodpeckers and elf owls, often make their nests in the soft tissue of the cactus, hollowing out small cavities for shelter.
Cultural significance: The fruit is harvested by indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert, such as the Tohono O’odham, who use it to make jams, syrups, and ceremonial wine. The woody ribs of dead saguaros were traditionally used to make tools, fences, and construction materials.
Landscaping: In recent years, saguaro cacti have become popular in landscaping for those living in desert climates, though they are highly protected and cannot be moved or harvested without special permission. Saguaro cacti are great for desert gardens, rock gardens, or succulent gardens.
Saguaros are adapted to the extreme conditions of the Sonoran Desert. They are hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 23°F (-5°C). However, prolonged cold or frost can cause damage to the cactus, and saguaro cacti are particularly sensitive to freezing temperatures. In addition to extreme heat, saguaros can also withstand long periods of drought due to their ability to store water in their tissues.
The Saguaro Cactus supports a variety of wildlife. Its flowers attract pollinators like bats and bees, while its fruits provide food for desert animals like coyotes, woodpeckers, and insects. The Saguaro also provides shelter for birds that nest in cavities carved into the cactus by woodpeckers, which are later used by other species, including owls and sparrows.
The Saguaro Cactus is not toxic to humans or animals. However, its spines can cause physical injury if touched or stepped on, so it’s best to handle the cactus with care.
Saguaros are extremely drought-tolerant, as they are adapted to survive long periods without water. They store large amounts of water in their tissues during the rainy season and gradually use it during dry spells. A mature Saguaro can store hundreds of gallons of water, which helps it endure the hot, dry desert climate. A mature Saguaro can weigh up to 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg) when fully hydrated.
Saguaros are not considered invasive and grow slowly, making them manageable in their natural habitat. They are highly protected, especially in the U.S., and it is illegal to harvest or move saguaros without proper permits.
Growing a Saguaro Cactus can be a rewarding experience, though it requires patience and specific conditions to thrive.
Saguaro Cacti are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11, where temperatures rarely dip below freezing. They are highly sensitive to frost and should not be grown in areas with long periods of freezing temperatures.
Saguaro Cacti prefer well-draining, sandy soil that mimics their native desert environment.
Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot. Always ensure the pot or ground has proper drainage.
Saguaro Cacti prefer warm temperatures and low humidity, thriving in temperatures between 65°F and 100°F (18°C-38°C).
Saguaro requires little to no fertilization. If needed, use a cactus-specific fertilizer sparingly in the growing season.
Saguaros grow slowly and do not need frequent repotting. However, it may be time to repot when the cactus outgrows its pot or the soil has compacted. Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has good drainage. Handle the cactus carefully, as the spines can be sharp.
Growing a Saguaro from seed is a slow process but possible.
Saguaros are relatively pest-resistant but can still face issues:
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents, Trees |
Plant Family | Cactaceae |
Common names | Saguaro |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 60' (30cm - 18.3m) |
Spread | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | California, United States, Southwest, Arizona |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents, Trees |
Plant Family | Cactaceae |
Common names | Saguaro |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 60' (30cm - 18.3m) |
Spread | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | California, United States, Southwest, Arizona |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Birds, Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro Cactus) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Carnegiea gigantea (Saguaro Cactus) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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