Saguaro in Bloom

The Saguaro is a member of the genus Cereus, or “night blooming” cactus. Like all Cereus cacti, the Saguaro blooms at night, and the blossoms close the next day, never to re-open. Unlike most Cereus, the saguaro does not bloom all at once, but several blossoms at a time over a period of several weeks.

Because the blooms form at the ends of the arms, they are usually located well above the ground, often at heights over 30 feet. However, the cactus in this photo has been damaged by frost, resulting in an arm that has has drooped down, and flowers at an approachable height.

This photo was taken in the western section of Saguaro National Park, near Tucson, AZ