Skip to content

Saguaro

Carnegiea Gigantea

Design with this plant

Overview

The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is an iconic cactus native to the Sonoran Desert. Towering at 40-60 feet tall when mature, these columnar plants may develop arms, adding to their distinctive silhouette. The ribbed, green stems can span 1-2 feet in diameter, while white, night-blooming flowers and red fruit grace the crown. Saguaros require full sun, well-drained soil, and thrive in hot, arid conditions. They are slow-growing, often living over 150 years.

Sun FullWater LowZones 10–10Climate Arid

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
10–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (56)

Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is an iconic cactus native to the Sonoran Desert
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — adding to their distinctive silhouette
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — Towering at 40-60 feet tall when mature
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — these columnar plants may develop arms
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — green stems can span 1-2 feet in diameter
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — night-blooming flowers and red fruit grace the crown
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — this monumental plant can reach impressive heights of up to 40 to 60 feet and live for over 200 years
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — Saguaros require full sun, well-drained soil, and thrive in hot, arid conditions
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — They are slow-growing, often living over 150 years
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — scientifically known as Carnegiea gigantea
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — Native to the Sonoran Desert
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — it's essential to note that it grows quite slowly
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — When considering a Saguaro for your garden
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — producing creamy white blossoms that open at night and close by the next midday
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — They boast a remarkable water retention strategy, swell substantially during the rainy season
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — ribbed stems that can burgeon to diameters of 2 to 2.5 feet
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — Mature plants may develop branching arms that arch upwards
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — offering sustenance to the native wildlife.<br><br>For successful cultivation
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — favoring pollination by nocturnal species
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — Proper placement within the design is paramount
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — white flowers in the garden
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — ensuring ample space to accommodate its eventual size and to prevent injury from its sharp spines
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — cactus with white blooms
Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — Its grand stature and longevity make it a centerpiece worthy of any southwestern landscape

Related plants