Mexican Giant Cardon (Pachycereus pringlei): World's Tallest Cactus

Overview

Mexican Giant Cardon (Pachycereus pringlei) is the tallest cactus in the world, reaching 60+ feet and weighing up to 25 tons. Native to Baja California and Sonora, Mexico, it resembles a massive, branching Saguaro but with fewer ribs (10–16) and a distinct "elephant foot" base. The stems are blue-green with gray spines. In spring, white, nocturnal flowers bloom near the tips, followed by large, spiny, edible fruit. Extremely slow-growing but long-lived (hundreds of years). A monumental specimen for vast, frost-free landscapes. Keystone species for desert ecosystems.

Key Features

• Size: World's tallest cactus; 40–60+ ft; massive trunk.
• Form: Columnar, branching; 10–16 ribs; "elephant foot" base.
• Flowers: White, nocturnal; spring.
• Fruit: Large, spiny, edible.
• Ecology: Keystone species; nurse plant.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun.

Water

Very low. Established plants need no supplemental water.

Soil

Native, extremely well-drained, mineral soil.

Hardiness

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

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Pachycereus (pak-ee-KER-ee-us)
Species:	pringlei (PRING-lee-eye)
Synonyms:	Cereus pringlei, Pilocereus pringlei, Pachycereus calvus