Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea): Icon of the Sonoran Desert

Overview

The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is the quintessential symbol of the American Southwest. This massive, columnar cactus can reach 40–60 feet tall, live 150–200 years, and develop its first arm only after 70–100 years. Its ribbed, waxy green trunk expands like an accordion to store water. In late spring, crowns of white, bat-pollinated flowers open at night, followed by edible red fruit. A keystone species, it provides nesting cavities for birds and food for wildlife. Slow-growing and protected, it's a majestic presence in native landscapes.

Key Features

• Form: Tall, branched column with accordion-pleated ribs.
• Spines: Dense clusters of sharp spines on ribs.
• Flowers: White, 3-inch, nocturnal; bloom April–June.
• Fruit: Red, fleshy, sweet; ripens June–July.
• Ecology: Keystone species; nurse plant for others.

Care Guidelines (In Cultivation)

Light

Full, blazing sun.

Water

Extremely drought-tolerant. Supplemental water only in extreme drought.

Soil

Native gritty, well-drained desert soil. No organic amendments.

Hardiness

USDA zones 9a–11. Intolerant of prolonged freezes.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Carnegiea (kar-neg-GEE-uh)
Species:	gigantea (jy-GAN-tee-uh)
Synonyms:	Cereus giganteus, Pilocereus engelmanii, Pilocereus giganteus