Saguaro Cactus
ExplorePlants
Saguaro Cactus
Carnegiea gigantea
The Saguaro Cactus is a giant cactus that can grow very tall! It has long arms that reach for the sky and beautiful flowers in the spring.
Habitat: Deserts
Appearance
The Saguaro Cactus is a tall, tree-like succulent with a thick, ribbed central stem, often branching into many upward-curving arms. Its green body is covered in protective spines, and striking white, waxy flowers bloom at the very top.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusCarnegiea
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A Saguaro can absorb over 750 liters of water after a good rain!
Gila Woodpeckers make nest holes in Saguaros, later used by owls and other birds.
It can take 70 years for a Saguaro to grow its first arm!
The Saguaro fruit is edible and tastes somewhat like strawberries or figs.
Special abilities
Ability
Water Tank Body
Saguaro Cactus has a pleated body that expands like an accordion, allowing it to store vast amounts of water for dry periods.
Ability
Rainwater Catchment
Saguaro Cactus can grow extensive shallow roots that spread out to efficiently capture and absorb scarce desert rainwater.
Ability
Prickly Defense
Saguaro Cactus has formidable sharp spines covering its surface, protecting it from thirsty desert animals trying to eat it.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 300-1500 cm
- Spread
- 200-500 cm
- Flower Size
- 5-10 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bat
Ecological connections
shelters
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Provides safe nesting sites in its arms.
depends on
Lesser Long-nosed Bat
Leptonycteris curasoae
Relies on saguaro flowers for nectar.
eats
Collared Peccary
Pecari tajacu
Eats fallen saguaro fruit and stem pads.
shelters
Gilded Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Excavates nesting cavities in its soft stem.
depends on
Regal Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma solare
Hides in its shade to regulate body temperature.
Traits
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Night Blooming
Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance.
Thorny Stem
Pertaining to plants that have stems covered with sharp, pointed projections for defense.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Saguaro Cactus?
300-1500 cm
How wide does Saguaro Cactus spread?
200-500 cm
How big are the flowers on Saguaro Cactus?
5-10 cm
When does Saguaro Cactus bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Saguaro Cactus edible?
Yes
Is Saguaro Cactus toxic?
None
What is Saguaro Cactus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Saguaro Cactus pollinated?
Bat
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