The saguaro cactus only grows in the Sonoran Desert, from sea level to 4000 feet, so mostly in southern Arizona. They can grow in a tree-like shape, almost 40 feet on rocky soil. They are the largest cacti in the USA. Often I’ll see a bird making a nest in the fleshy stem of a cactus.

You may have seen the white flowers of the saguaro cactus, that then become a fruit. Recently, I happened to be home, I noticed the fruits were ripening. They are a source of food and water for birds. First, here’s a photo of the fruits on the tree; second photo, one opened and eaten by a bird.

Arizona Native Plant Law has 4 categories of protected plants. One category is “Highly Safeguarded” species. Saguaro cacti fall within this category as they are threatened for survival or in danger of extinction. Destruction or theft of a saguaro is illegal under state law. It can result in fines and a class 4 felony. I researched how much is the fine: minimum of $200 per foot of main trunk and $200 per foot of each arm. All with a maximum not to exceed $2500 per cactus. If you need to move a saguaro cactus, then a permit is required.

Saguaro cacti can live up to 200 years and grow to more than 60 feet. They can have arms bending upward that can number over 25. Keep an eye out for this cactus as you visit southern Arizona. See their protective spines, white flowers in late spring and red fruit in summer. Enjoy …