Stenocereus thurberi (Organ Pipe Cactus)

Stenocereus thurberi (Organ Pipe Cactus) is an impressive columnar cactus bearing up to 5 to 20 branches from its short-trunked base. The dark green to gray-green stems grow slowly to reach 15-20 ft in height (450-600 cm). Each stem is 6 in. thick (15 cm), have 12-19 ribs, and is covered with brownish gray spines, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm). A mature plant can display 30 or more branches, which gives the stems the appearance of organ pipes, hence the common name. Blooming in late spring to late summer, white to pale lavender flowers, 3-4 in. long (6-10 cm), open at night but remain open the following day. The nocturnal flowers are beautiful and often attract bats. The blossoms give way to rounded, olive green fruits, 1.5 in. long (4 cm), becoming red-tinged when ripe. Edible, the fruit is devoured by several species of birds. People also relish the fruit, which is one of the tastiest cactus fruits in the Sonoran Desert region. Native to southern Arizona and northern Mexico, Organ Pipe Cactus is long-lived and easy to grow. It is reported to be cold-hardy down to 23°F (-5°C) for short periods.

• Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (450-600 cm) and 12 ft. wide (360 cm).
• Easily grown in dry, sandy, or rocky, well-drained soils in full sun. Water regularly in summer but allow to dry fully before watering again. Drought tolerant.
• Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
• Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or hedges.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for red spiders or mealy bugs. Susceptible to fungal diseases if over-watered. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed or division. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days in spring.
• Native from southwestern Arizona to northern Mexico in the Sonoran desert.