Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis terscheckii): Fast-Growing Columnar Giant

Overview

Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis terscheckii, syn. Trichocereus terscheckii) is a massive, fast-growing columnar cactus from northwestern Argentina. It resembles the North American Saguaro but grows much faster and branches lower. The stems are deep green, 8–14 inches thick, with 10–14 ribs and stout, golden spines. It can reach 25–40 feet tall. In spring, large, white, nocturnal flowers bloom near the stem tips. A spectacular landscape specimen for large, frost-free gardens. More cold-tolerant than many tropical columnars.

Key Features

• Form: Columnar, branching low; 25–40 ft tall.
• Stems: Deep green, 10–14 ribs; stout golden spines.
• Flowers: White, large, nocturnal; spring.
• Growth: Fast for a giant cactus.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

Low to moderate in summer; dry in winter.

Soil

Well-drained, gritty. Mineral soil.

Hardiness

USDA zones 8b–11. Tolerates brief freezes to ~18°F.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Echinopsis (ek-in-OP-sis)
Species:	terscheckii (ter-SHEK-ee-eye)
Synonyms:	Trichocereus terscheckii, Cereus terscheckii, Pilocereus terscheckii, Trichocereus werdermannianus, Echinopsis werdermanniana