The Saguaro Cactus is one of the most fascinating plants found in the southwestern U.S. We’ve compiled a list of the best saguaro facts below.
10 Facts About The Saguaro Cactus
Native to the Sonoran Desert, there are many interesting facts about the saguaro cactus. Here is a collection of 10 facts regarding this huge cacti.
1. Saguaros Can Live Up To 200 Years
The majority of saguaros have a lifespan between 150-200 years. The oldest known saguaro was discovered in Arizona, living nearly 300 years. The cactus eventually succumbed to a bacterial infection.
2. Saguaros Only Grow In The Sonoran Desert
While the saguaros only grow in the Sonoran Desert, it does not mean the cacti can grow everywhere in this desert. Saguaros can only thrive in certain parts of the desert due to areas featuring freezing winter temperatures. Saguaros do not tend to thrive in areas above 4,000 feet in elevation.
3. Largest Cactus In The U.S.
Saguaros are currently the largest cacti found in the U.S., growing up to 40-feet tall. The tallest known saguaro actually grew to an unprecedented height of 78 feet.
4. Saguaros Can Grow Up To 25 Arms
As they age, saguaros will develop more and more arms. The total number of arms on one saguaro can reach 25. Some saguaros will not grow any arms at all.
5. Can Weigh Up To 6 Tons
A saguaro is considered an adult when it reaches age 125. Around this age, the cactus can stand 50-feet tall, weighing 6 tons.
6. Also Known As Carnegiea Gigantea
Saguaros have a second name, as they are also referred to as Carnegiea Gigantea.
7. Saguaros Only Grow 1.5 Inches In First 8 Years
A study performed by Saguaro National Park concluded that saguaros only grow between 1-1.5 inches in their first 8 years of life. Growth rate after that depends on several variables, including location, climate and precipitation.
8. Can Produce Red Fruits In The Summer
Saguaros will begin to produce beautiful red flowers starting in June. The red certainly stands out in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.
9. Roots Expand Like An Accordion
The roots of a saguaro grow outward in a radial fashion. Whenever heavy rain comes down, the saguaro will stretch like an accordion to absorb as much water as possible.
10. Won’t Grow Flowers Until Age 35
We mentioned the red flowers above, but these will not grow until the saguaro turns 35. The flowers can be seen at the end of the main trunks and on the sides of the saguaro.
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