The saguaro cactus is endemic to the Sonoran desert and the symbol of the American Southwest. Its lifespan can range from 150 to 200 years. They generally grow between sea level and 4,000 feet in elevation. The habitat it thrives in is rocky desert soil. In about 10 years the cactus would only reach 1.5 inches tall, it is a very slow growing cactus. But at adult it can reach up to 20-50 feet being one of the largest cactus in the United States. The saguaro cactus has one tap root that can reach more than 2 feet down into the ground. The arms of the saguaro cactus’s arms start to grow around 70 years old. Many animals use the saguaro as a nesting site and a source of food. These animals that utilize the saguaro are lizards, owls, martins, woodpeckers, and woodrats. In May the cacti flowers bloom and then in June fleshy red fruits are produced. The fruit is used in jellies and wine.
On top of the saguaro cactus is the saguaro flower that are about 3 inches in diameter and white in color. This is Arizona’s state flower. During the day, the pollinators that come visit are birds and bees. During the night, bats pollinate the flowers. They only bloom for 24 hours.
