Saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea) bloom here in Tucson in the desert heat of May and early June. The lovely saguaro flower is the state flower of Arizona. The large, white flowers that crown mature saguaro cacti are followed by edible red fruits that are still harvested by some Native Americans.

Saguaros, even though they grow very slowly, can grow to be quite tall. After about a century and a half of growth, saguaros can reach 50 feet (15.2 m) in height or more and weigh up to 9 tons. Most blooming saguaros are over 6 feet (1.8 m) in height, so close-up views of the flowers usually require a ladder.

Occasionally, saguaros can be found with a twisted or drooping blooming arm hanging low to the ground, allowing one to get a nice, close-up view of the flowers. This saguaro with its odd, drooping arm is at the entrance to the Tucson Mountain District Visitor Center in Saguaro National Park.