Organ Pipe Cactus, Organpipe Cactus, Organ-Pipe Cactus, Cereus thurberi, Lemaireocereus thurberi, Marshallocereus thurberi, Neolemaireocereus thurberi, Pilocereus thurberi, Rathbunia thurberi
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.
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents, Trees |
Plant Family | Cactaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
15' - 20' (4m - 6m) |
Spread |
10' - 12' (3m - 3m) |
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 | Arizona, Southwest, Texas, United States |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents, Trees |
Plant Family | Cactaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
15' - 20' (4m - 6m) |
Spread |
10' - 12' (3m - 3m) |
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 | Arizona, Southwest, Texas, United States |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Stenocereus thurberi (Organ Pipe Cactus) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Stenocereus thurberi (Organ Pipe Cactus) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
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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