I appreciate reading your magazine and do so every week. However, I feel compelled to draw attention to a major inaccuracy in your March 22 publication. Saguaro cactus are depicted in the graphics that go with the article about the Texas cancer researchers. Only in the Sonoran deserts of western Sonora, Mexico, and southern Arizona, along with a few stray specimens in California, do saguaro cactus flourish. Texas does not have saguaro cacti. Contrary to popular belief, the saguaro doesn’t just grow in the west. Because of the cactus’ particularity to Arizona, the saguaro cactus blossom has been designated as the state flower of the state. I believed it necessary to alert you to this error.
Texas has large cacti, right?
If you’re a native Texan who has been to any northern section of the country and encountered a local who asked where you’re from, you’ve probably already encountered this inquiry: “So did you ride your horse to school?
I’m a native Texan who attended college for two years in Iowa. You have no idea how frequently people ask me questions like this! “Well, did you ride your tractor to school? “, I would ask. I was shocked to learn that Iowa actually had a “driving your tractor to school day.” Stereotypes are not all made equal.
The Saguaro Cactus
One of the MANY clichés we Texans encounter on a daily basis is that of transportation by horse. There is one Texas stereotype that I guarantee the majority of you reading this have never heard of or even knew existed! The saguaro cactus, that is.
Not Native but Still Here
But the saguaro cactus tale is more complicated than you might realize, and it may be the biggest botanical myth ever. It turns out that Texas is not the saguaro cactus’ native habitat. Professor Kendall Gerdes from Texas Tech University started the campaign to eradicate the use of this well-known stereotype by posing the question, “Why do Texans utilize saguaro cacti as a symbol of all things Texas when they don’t grow here?” to West Texas Wonders.
Only the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona, along with some areas of California and New Mexico, is home to the saguaro cactus. The saguaro, which is pronounced “sah-wah-roh,” is the biggest cactus in the country and has a lifespan of more than 200 years. It’s simple to see why this cactus has gained such notoriety and notoriety throughout the years, particularly when it comes to desert-like environments like West Texas.
Even little Texas towns like Dryden have planted and grown their own private supply of the famous Saguaro cactus! Therefore, even though it is not native to Texas, there are examples of it growing in our lovely state.
A New Prickly Hero Emerges
It might be time, nevertheless, for Texans to honor our actual native cactus companion, the prickly pear!
In addition to making a fantastic margarita flavor, prickly pears are also the most typical cactus in Texas. This cactus, which is sometimes referred to as the “original yellow rose of Texas, blooms lovely yellow flowers that are reminiscent of Spanish roses and eventually develop into tasty red fruit called “tuna.” The fruit and the pads are both edible. The prickly pear cactus was declared the state plant of Texas on May 25, 1995, yet it has yet to gain the respect and reputation it really deserves.
Perhaps it’s time to formally replace the saguaro as the iconic, recognizable cacti for the wonderful state of Texas with the prickly pear, just like we’ve done with the other notorious Texas clichés.
The prickly pear’s “…position as both a vegetable and a fruit make it singularly qualified to embody the tenacious and unique Texas character as an official state symbol,” according to our state senate, best explains it.
Where are Texas’ large cacti located?
All year long, cacti are gorgeous. However, they can astonish us in the spring with abundant yellow, red, and pink blossoms that are quite stunning. These native Texas plants, which may be found everywhere from the Hill Country to the Western deserts, begin to bloom in color in April and continue to be stunning through May or, if they are lucky, even into June.
Of all the native cactus, prickly pear or the yellow rose of Texas may be the most well-known. The state flower is abundant across the Hill Country, but is particularly abundant in the Highland Lakes area. The southwest region of the state also has a lot of it. It typically has yellow, yellow-orange, and occasionally even red and white flowers in bloom. In addition to being attractive, prickly pear cacti are also edible. A common ingredient in Southwestern food can be eaten raw or cooked to produce juice, jelly, or even wine.
Echinocactus texensis, often known as the horse crippler, is a sizable round cactus with a circumference of around 12 inches (30 cm). It is well renowned for its surprisingly delicate pink or peach blossoms, which often start to bloom in the late spring.
Echinocereus triglochidiatus, often known as the hedgehog cactus, is a common type that many people plant indoors. It has bright red or pink flowers that bloom in late May or early June.
The pineapple cactus, also known as a little nipple cactus, is just 6 inches (15 cm) broad. In March, this early bloomer displays a sizable solitary yellow blossom. From north to south, this species is widespread over the entire state. There are Yucca cactus all around Texas, especially in May when they bloom with tall clusters of cream blooms.
Another lovely cactus that resembles more of a tree and grows up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall is the cholla. It is widespread in West Texas and blooms in May and early June with exquisite hot pink flowers.
In West Texas, the Big Bend National Park is the greatest location to see blooming cactuses. In the spring, the region beside the Rio Grande is very beautiful. Another great location is Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Additionally, Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has a large collection of native flora.
Where can you find cacti in Texas?
The list of cacti found in Texas is shown below. The principal species are listed first, followed by all other, typically less common species.
Texas has more cacti species than any other state, and the Big Bend region’s Presidio and Brewster counties have the highest diversity (around 100 species). However, some counties, namely those in the extreme east, lack cacti.
Identifying Features
One of the species that characterizes the Sonoran Desert is the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). These plants are huge, tree-like columnar cacti, some of which never sprout arms or branches as they age. There may be over 25 of these arms, which often curve upward. Protective spines cover saguaros, which also have white blooms in the late spring and red fruit in the summer.
Habitat
Only the Sonoran Desert is home to saguaros. Temperature and water are the two main elements that affect growth. The saguaro can be killed by frost and cold weather if the height is too high. Although both winter and summer rains occur in the Sonoran Desert, it is believed that the Saguaro receives the majority of its moisture during the summer rainy season.
Range
This cactus can be found in western Sonora, Mexico, and southern Arizona. They are more common on the warmer south-facing hills in the northern part of their range. Southeast California is also home to a few stray flora.
Size
Cactus called saguaro grow very slowly. A plant that is 10 years old might only be 1.5 inches tall. Saguaro trees can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet (12-18m). When the saguaro is well-hydrated and there is plenty of rain, it can weigh between 3200 and 4800 pounds.
Quick Facts
The majority of the saguaro plant’s roots are merely 4-6 inches deep and extend outward as far as its height from the plant. One deep root, or tap root, penetrates the ground more than two feet deep.
When a saguaro dies, its woody ribs can be utilized to make furniture, fences, and roofs. Among the dead saguaros are the “saguaro boots,” or holes where birds formerly built their nests. Before the canteen was invented, Native Americans used these as water bottles.
Saguaro cactus can survive in Texas?
One of the most pervasive misunderstandings about Texas seems to have no end. I am referring to the saguaro cactus. In connection to the Lone Star State, we frequently see pictures of this imposing, tree-like cactus on billboards, in cowboy art, on murals, in novels, in magazines, and on innumerable Tex-Mex menus. A cowboy galloping through a saguaro was shown in a recent Texas-based New Yorker short story. And now, Lawrence Wright, a staff writer for the New Yorker and a lifelong Texan, has released God Save Texas: A Journey into the Soul of the Lone Star State, a book that includes a map of the state that features—you guessed it—a saguaro in the midst of Big Bend. The saguaro is not a native to Texas, which is the one drawback. Only the Sonoran Desert, southern Arizona, and sections of California and Mexico are home to it natively. The Texanist should please step in and assist in ending this botanical myth.
A: The saguaro cactus, which is the biggest cactus in the entire United States and is pronounced “sah-wah-roh,” may grow to heights of more than 75 feet and can live for more than 200 years. It is undoubtedly an outstanding specimen of cactus. The Texanist recently visited the Scottsdale area for a golf excursion and had the opportunity to experience its enormous grandiosity firsthand. They are genuinely remarkable. However, he personally thought they were a little extravagant in their size and, to be honest, a little odd-looking as they stand there quietly. The Texanist will never forget the bizarre sight and rather unearthly sound of a poorly hooked tee shot piercing and being swallowed up by one of these green giants. Fore! In this situation, the United States Golf Association’s Rule 28, which deals with unplayable balls, is applicable, and you will, regrettably, lose a stroke.
Cactus can be picked in Texas.
at Texas. Texas state law stipulates that anyone planning to collect cacti on private property must first have the landowner’s prior written consent. Keep in mind that removing anything from private property without permission is considered vandalism at the very least and theft at the very most!
Living rock cactus (Ariocarpus fissuratus)
Take another look at the name: “Living Rock”—that’s exactly what it is. Obviously not a large rock, but to the untrained eye, this plant may resemble a rock that one may pick up and fling. It is flat and round in shape, and it generally adheres to the ground. This plant’s sharp leaves precisely overlap one another to create the appearance of scales. The plant has green leaves in the center and brownish leaves on the outside.
Nipple beehive cactus (Coryphantha macromeris)
The nuptial hive Cactus plants are a particular type of cactus that have tiny balls that resemble nipples and are well protected by sharp, pointy needles. In earlier evolutionary stages, these balls might have been leaves. The needles attempt to form a little ball that resembles a miniature beehive.
Nickels’ cactus (Coryphantha nickelsiae)
Nickles cactus are tiny cactus plants that resemble brown balls with sharp needles jutting out in all directions. The purpose of this plant’s entire pointiness is to shield its meager amount of greens. The plant keeps near to the ground and doesn’t get very tall.
Robust spine beehive cactus (Coryphantha robustispina)
This kind of cactus closely resembles the nickles cactus that we previously discussed. The main distinction is that this one develops into multiple congregated balls of brown needles rather than just one large ball of needles. This can make a giant beehive or a group of little beehives stand together appear.
Tree Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
This species of cactus is enormous. Instead of keeping close to the ground, the cactus decides to develop into a large shrub or, in some cases, a tree. It can be identified by the persistent characteristic of cacti: the sharp spikes that emerge from its branches. Many birds have been unexpectedly injured by the sharp spikes while seeking refuge from predators.
Christmas Cholla (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
A cactus species that is similar to the tree cholla that we previously discussed is called the Christmas cholla. It generates branches that are covered in its spikes’ lethal points. However, this type does not become a tree like its relative does. It is considered to be a tiny shrub that stays close to the ground.
Eagle claws (Echinocactus horizonthalonius)
This cactus resembles a poppy plant more. You can really see the small green ball on the floor with a small purple or violet flower on top, which is a significant distinction from any of the cacti kinds that we have listed above. But resist the urge to pick it up because it is loaded with damaging spikes that resemble sharp needles.
Horse crippler (Echinocactus texensis)
The size of the horse crippler cactus plant and the purple flower that rests on top of it like a crown make it comparable to the eagle claw. Although this species has a somewhat flattened appearance, you can still see the cactus’ foliage in it. Its name refers to the reaction it causes on horses that step on it.
Brown flowered cactus (Echinocereus chloranthus)
There is foliage in the brown flowered cactus, but it is entirely surrounded by brown spikes. Without a doubt, this is related to the species of robust spine and nipple beehive cactus. However, this one is more attractive since it has purple, funnel-shaped flowers all over it.
Scarlet hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus coccineus)
The red hedgehog cactus is a type of cactus that resembles a hedgehog or squirrel in size and is composed primarily of brown spikes. While the plant’s primary structure is brownish, it is embellished with tiny, spherical blossoms that give it a touch of elegance on all sides.
Lace hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii)
This particular cactus reminds me as a group of little, whitish balls. Because there are so many and they are packed so tightly together, the white spikes give the balls their white appearance. Flowers in the shape of a funnel, comprised of separate petals that closely overlap to form a funnel, are perched atop the various balls.
Ladyfinger cactus (Echinocereus pentalophus)
This kind of cactus has tiny protrusions, resembling studs, on all sides and is about the size of a football. White or cream-colored spikes wrap the entire plant to shield the delicate heart.
Fendler’s hedgehog (Echinocereus fendleri)
A few erect, oblong balls that are not too densely packed together make up this variety of cactus. Although their bodies are covered with lengthy spikes, the spikes are not closely spaced.
Green strawberry hedgehog (Echinocereus enneacanthus)
One of the more well-known and widely-distributed cactus species is this one. It can go as tall as three feet and stands upright. Although sparingly distributed, the long, smooth stalk has long needles that extend from it.
The lace hedgehog cactus and the previously mentioned Fendler’s hedgehog (Echinocereus fendleri) are quite similar. The best way to explain this is as a pair of evenly spaced, upright, oblong balls. The main distinction is that this particular species’ spikes or needles are significantly shorter, and its body appears far more green.
Other types of cactus in Texas are:
- Hedgehog cactus with strawberries (Echinocereus stramineus)
- Hedghog cactus made of nylon (Echinocereus viridiflorus)
- The fishhook cactus of Warnock (Echinomastus warnockii)
- Toggle cactus (Epithelantha micromeris)
- Beehive-shaped cactus (Escobaria tuberculosa)
- Prickly pear from Big Bend (Grusonia aggeria)
- Fishhook Cactus of Chihuahua (Glandulicactus uncinatus)
- A barrel cactus in Arizona (Ferocactus wislizeni)
- Barrel cactus of Texas (Ferocactus hamatacanthus)
- Regular beehive cactus (Escobaria vivipara)
- Satan cholla (Grusonia Emoryi)
- Club Graham’s cholla (Grusonia grahamii)
- Fishhook cactus in Arizona (Mammillaria grahamii)
- the lacespine pincushion cactus (Mammillaria lasiacantha)
- Pincushion cactus, a tiny one (Mammillaria meiacantha)
- pincushion cactus with a rat’s tail
- pincushion cactus with a rat’s tail (Mammillaria pottsii)
- Prickly pear cacti (Opuntia aciculata)
- Ripe pear of the Rio Grande (Opuntia aureispina)
- Prickly pears in purple (Opuntia azurea)
Conclusion:
The varieties of cactus found in Texas are not all included on this list. The types of cacti you might encounter in Texas are listed in the first section. Then, we go on to identify additional types that are not necessarily less common or plentiful and may or may not have the same distribution as the ones that have been emphasized so far.