Arizona State Flower

Arizona State Flower
Saguaro Cactus Blossom

Carnegiea giganteasaguaro-cactus-blossom

In 1901 the saguaro blossom from the saguaro cactus was adopted as the official territorial flower, and later, in 1931, it was confirmed as the state flower of Arizona.

The saguaro cactus typically blooms in May and June. The saguaro cactus is the largest cactus in the United States, growing more than 50 feet. Some of those large cacti can be anywhere from 150 to 200 years old. They are native and grow exclusively in the Sonoran Desert

It is one of the most unique state flowers, and is characterized by having a waxy feel, but fragrant aroma- almost like an overripe melon. There may be hundreds of flowers on a saguaro cactus that bloom just several at a time over a period of more than a month.

The saguaro flowers have a short life; they open at night and close permanently during the next day. Many of the blossoms will become pollinated and, later in the summer, the flowers become red-fleshed fruits that are enjoyed by the local bird population.

Arizona Flower