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

Saguaro Cactus

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

Saguaro Cactus has a pleated body that expands like an accordion, allowing it to store vast amounts of water for dry periods.

Saguaro Cactus can grow extensive shallow roots that spread out to efficiently capture and absorb scarce desert rainwater.

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
Is 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

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Night Blooming

These mysterious flowers wait until the sun goes down to open their petals, filling the evening air with their enchanting beauty and fragrance.

Thorny Stem

Discover plants with strong stems protected by sharp thorns, perfect for staying safe in the wild.

Drought Tolerant

These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!

Succulent

These cool plants are like nature's sponges, storing water in their thick, fleshy leaves and stems to help them survive in dry places.

Desert

Discover incredible plants and animals that have adapted to survive in hot, dry places with very little water! They are masters of endurance.

Longevous

Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!