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.
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.
What species of cactus grows in Texas?
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, echinocactus texensis, echinocereus reichenbachii, escobaria missouriensis, escobaria vivipara, mammillaria heyderi, opuntia macrorhiza, opuntia phaeacantha, and opuntia engelmannii are among the species that are the
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.
Where in Texas can I find a large cactus?
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.
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!
Saguaro cacti only exist in Arizona, right?
Cactus Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
The saguaro cactus, which “the American West, pronounced sah-wah-roh. We constantly encounter images of these cacti as a representation of the American Desert. Without looking closely at one of these well-known desert plants, a vacation to the Sonoran Desert is not complete. Almost everyone who has seen one has been captivated by these enormous green columnar cactuses. Even more significant to the native Tohono O’Odham are the saguaro cacti. The Tohono O’Odham see the huge cacti as revered tribe members rather than as plants. They see them as a distinct kind of humanity.
Although the saguaro cactus has come to represent the American West, it can only be found in the Sonoran desert. The saguaro cactus’s geographic range is constrained to southern Arizona since it is a desert indicator species. From sea level to an elevation of around 4000 feet, saguaro cacti can thrive. The saguaro cactus will limit its growth to the warmer, south-facing slopes the further north and higher in elevation you go. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to a large number of saguaro cacti. Impressive “The Ajo Mountain Drive passes through saguaro woods.
The saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 40 feet tall, is the biggest cactus in the country. Over 78 feet high, the tallest saguaro cactus ever measured stood. All of the saguaro cactus’ growth takes place at the tip, or top, of the cactus, which grows like a column at a very slow rate. A saguaro cactus may take ten years to grow just an inch tall. A saguaro cactus can grow to a height of 6 and a half feet and begin to bear flowers at the age of 70. A saguaro cactus can grow to a height of 15 to 16 feet and begin to sprout its first arm by the time it is 95 to 100 years old. The saguaro cactus reaches its maximum height of up to 45 feet tall when it is 200 years old. While some saguaros develop dozens of arms, other cacti never produce even one. One of the unsolved mysteries of the desert is why this occurs.
The saguaro cactus is an expert at surviving in the desert. This plant was created from the ground up to survive in the sometimes hostile Sonoran Desert. The saguaro cactus’ epidermis is covered in a thick layer of waxy material that prevents water loss through transpiration and waterproofs the plant. To protect the water that is kept inside, the cactus has bristles that are both flexible and have sharp spines.
A saguaro cactus has an equally remarkable root system. The cactus will grow a sizable, solitary taproot that will extend straight down into the ground for around five feet. The cactus can get water that is kept underground thanks to this taproot. The saguaro cactus’ primary roots differ greatly from other cacti. A huge network of roots that resemble a maze is sent out by the cactus quite near to the surface. These roots are typically 3 inches or less below the surface, allowing the cactus to easily catch any rain that may fall.
Instantaneously, very little water is used. Instead, the majority of the water collected is eventually stored within the cactus for use during dry spells. A tissue that resembles a sponge fills the interior of the cactus and serves as a reservoir for the water. The cactus’ skin starts to grow as more water is stored, providing additional space for storage. When a result, as more and more water is stored, the saguaro cactus can get rather hefty. A Saguaro cactus foot can weigh up to 90 pounds when fully grown, and a whole Saguaro can weigh over a ton.
The saguaro cactus blooms from late spring to early summer. The flowering typically takes place between April and June. The milky-white blossoms give forth a sweet nectar that draws a variety of bat species. These bats consume flower nectar while also helping to pollinate the saguaro cactus. The bats will begin to devour the cactus fruit when it begins to produce fruit, which will help disperse saguaro seeds over the desert.