2. Location
Located in the Sonoran
Desert
In western Arizona and
northern Mexico
Lives only in the desert
3. General Info.
Can live to 150-200 years old
Can grow to 40-60 feet tall but
a 10 year old plant maybe
only 1.5 feet tall
Can weigh up to 3200-4800
pounds if fully hydrated
Most important factors for
growth are water and
temperature
4. Nests
Native birds carve out holes
in the cacti to make nests
Gila Woodpeckers, purple
martins, and finches
The cactus repairs this
damage by sealing the inside
of its fibers and creating scar
tissue to prevent more water
loss
5. Keystone Species
The Saguaro Cactus is a
keystone species
It provides shelter and food
for many organisms
6. Decline in Species
Cold weather and frost can kill the saguaro, so high
elevation is a factor
7. Interesting Facts
Largest cactus in the USA
After death its woody ribs can be
used to build roofs fences and
parts of furniture
Produces flowers and fruit
Most of the saguaros roots are
only 4-6 inches deep but stretch
out as far from the plant as it is
tall
There is one deep root, or tap
root, that extends down into the
ground more than 2 feet
