Saguaro

Description:

Upright, stout trunk is ribbed vertically. Trunk usually grows 'arms' when 50-100 years old. Waxy white flowers bloom in May and are succeeded by fleshy red fruits in June.

Habitat:

Rocky desert soils in southern Arizona.

Notes:

The symbol of southwestern deserts, the saguaro is an important food source and nesting site for desert animals including woodpeckers, martins, owls, lizards and wood-rats, to name a few. The fruits are used to make jellies and wine. The white flower which blooms in May is Arizona's state flower.