# 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. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Deserts ![Saguaro Cactus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425875/objects/4999.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Carnegiea ## 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 - **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. - **Rainwater Catchment:** Saguaro Cactus can grow extensive shallow roots that spread out to efficiently capture and absorb scarce desert rainwater. - **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 - **Shelter:** [Blue-gray Gnatcatcher](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collared-peccary) (*Pecari tajacu*) — Eats fallen saguaro fruit and stem pads. - **Shelter:** [Gilded Flicker](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gilded-flicker) (*Colaptes auratus*) — Excavates nesting cavities in its soft stem. - **Depends on:** [Regal Horned Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/regal-horned-lizard) (*Phrynosoma solare*) — Hides in its shade to regulate body temperature. ## Traits - [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once. - [Night Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/night-blooming): Night blooming plants open their flowers after sunset, often to attract nocturnal pollinators with their scent and appearance. - [Thorny Stem](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thorny-stem): Pertaining to plants that have stems covered with sharp, pointed projections for defense. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. ## Collections - [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Saguaro Cactus? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Phoenix Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/phoenix-zoo) — Arizona, US · Zoo - [Rio Grande Botanic Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rio-grande-botanic-garden) — New Mexico, US · Zoo ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Saguaro Cactus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/saguaro-cactus)