Saguaros in Scottsdale and Their Protection
When people think of Arizona, the iconic Saguaro cactus often comes to mind.
The Saguaro cactus, known more formally as Carnegiea gigantea, was named for Andrew Carnegie. Did you know that they only grow in the Sonoran Desert and nowhere else? Their habitat can be found in Arizona and down into Northern Mexico.
Temperatures and altitude determine where they flourish and clearly, the Phoenix/Scottsdale region is part of their homeland.
It can take at least 10 years for a Saguaro cactus to reach one inch in height. When you see the majestic Saguaros that are over 10 feet, they are closing in on 80 to 100 years old. They grow arms to store water as they grow.
Arizona is determined to protect these beautiful and rare cacti and has enacted regulations around how to handle them as the state builds out. For instance, you will need a permit to dig up or move any saguaro.
As one drives through Scottsdale where there is development and building going on, you will frequently see large groupings of Saguaros staked and standing at attention in precise lines. They have been removed from a parcel of land while the construction is going on, and will be replaced after construction on the same land area.
What is critical to note is that these cacti need to be re-planted facing the same direction they were facing when they were removed if they are to thrive in the future.
These photos were taken in North Scottsdale on the corner of Pinnacle Peak and Miller Road on the site of a new K. Hovnanian home project. This location was also the original site of Rawhide, which was a fabulous place to visit with its authentic Western Town, entertainment and fireworks every night.
Disclaimer: Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
