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12 December 2021
Next to the cowboy hat and boots, the giant saguaro cactus is the most widely recognized symbol of the Southwest. Saguaro, the largest cactus in the United States, is abundant in the Sonoran Desert outside Tucson, Arizona. We have compiled some interesting facts that you may not have known about this beautiful iconic plant.
The saguaros are giant, tree-like columnar cacti. As they age, they develop branches or arms that generally bend upward and can number over 25. A ribbed woody skeleton supports saguaros, and they expand like an accordion so the plant can retain more moisture. The cacti are covered with protective spines, white flowers in spring, and red fruit in summer.
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Water and temperature are the most critical factors for the growth of the Saguaro cactus. Cold weather and very high elevation can kill the plant. It is thought that the saguaro obtains most of its moisture during the summer rainy season. Saguaros can be found in Southern Arizona and Western Sonora, Mexico, and a few stray ones can also be found in southeastern California.
Although it is not considered threatened or endangered, California and Arizona have strict regulations on harvesting, collecting, and destroying the saguaro.
The saguaro can live up to 150-200 years old with the ideal growing conditions. Saguaro grows very slowly. It may only be 1.5 inches tall at ten years old but can grow to as tall as 40-60 feet as it matures. When hydrated, the plant can weigh between 3,200-4,800 pounds.
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