Introduction

The Saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea, is a columnar cactus with large arms. Saguaros are found in southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico.

The Details

The plants are large, 5-10 meter plants are common, and some may be much taller. They are the largest cactus in the United States. Old plants may be 150-200 years or more.

Sometimes flickers or woodpeckers excavate cavities in the trunks or branches that are used as nesting cavities. Later the holes may be used by many other species of birds including elf owls, screech owls, purple martins, finches, and sparrows. Larger birds such as hawks use the surfaces where branches jut out as nesting platforms.

The flowers provide valuable nectar to Lesser Long-nosed Bats Mexican Long-tongued Bats which pollinate the plant in return. The fruits are eaten by many desert creatures, which help spread the seeds.

Additional Reading: Saguaro Fruit Harvest