Scientific Name: Carnegiea gigantea
Common Name: Saguaro
Family: Cactaceae, Cactus Family
Duration: Perennial
Size: Up to 50 feet or more
Growth Form: Main trunk tall, up to 2½ feet in diameter, massive, up to 30 ribs; up to 30 ribbed stems or more, branching several feet above its base;
Flower Color: White; nocturnal; fruit oblong, fruit - pulp is deep red.
Flowering Season: May and June; fruits mature in June or July
Elevation: 500 to under 3500 feet
Threatened/Endangered Information: Highly safeguarded, Salvage restricted in Arizona.
Comments: The Saguaro is believed to live up to 150 years or more; it is the most conspicuous and tallest cactus of the United States. Its flower is the state wildflower of Arizona and the cactus provides a protective home to cavity dwelling birds such as woodpeckers and small owls as well as non-native birds. The flowers may be pollinated by birds, bats or insects and its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.