The Saguaro Obsession Is Real!
On my recent trip to Arizona I fell in love with the Saguaro cactus. The giant Saguaro (the largest cacti you’ll find in the US) are just absolutely captivating!
Southwest Charm
They live all throughout Tucson and the Sonoran Desert region.
Besides being freaking cool and unique each one is different.
For all these reasons it’s easy to see why they’re the natural symbol of the American Southwest.
Saguaros can grow up to 50 ft, can have up to 50 arms – aka branches – and can weigh more than 7 tons!
It’s About The Journey, Not The Destination
They are also slow and steady growers taking up to 10 years to grow 6”. But they’re in no rush since they can live for 200 years!
IMO their most fascinating part (to me at least) is their arms – which develop between 75 and 100 years of age.
Each Saguaro has different pattern arms (like the branches of a tree). I loved the ones that snuggled all together. They look so odd. I want to know THAT Saguaro’s story!
The cacti are so large they provide shelter for little animals. Plus, their arms only flower at night and for only ONE month a year so those little pollinators get a run for their money.
I was just so obsessed with them I needed to know what was inside these gorgeous beasts. Luckily the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum has a display!
As expected they’re mostly made up of water (between 75% – 90%!). There is also a sponge-like tissue throughout the inside to hold the water in place. Finally, they have dense woody ribs in the middle to form a skeleton which stretches the entirety of the cactus. Just amazing, right?
If you’ve seen one in person you get the obsession. If not – head over to Saguaro National Park or the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico to check them out!
Just don’t take one home… they’re protected by the Native Plant Protection Act, and it’s illegal to remove one from a national park! But you can buy one here!
To be fair… I think my Saguaro obsession started in the 80s or 90s – just like everything else great!
Check out my full Arizona itinerary as well as my posts on: Tucson; Ben’s Bells; my new Saguaro obsession; Sedona; Antelope Canyon, Tuba City, and the NavajoLand Hotel; Horseshoe Bend and Page, Arizona; and the Cameron Trading Post and Grand Canyon!
Saguaro Related Hashtags
#VisitTucson #TucsonActivities #ThisIsTucson #VisitArizona #WelcomeToArizona #Tucson #TucsonFood #TucsonAZ #TucsonArizona #Arizona #Saguaro #Cactus #Desert #SonoranDesert #SaguaroCactus #SaguaroNationalPark #Nature #AZ #DesertLife #Southwest #Cacti #DesertVibes #CactusLover #LandscapePhotography #ArizonaHiking #NaturePhotography #ExploreArizona #TucsonArizona #Wanderlust #CaptureArizona
Find The Mint Chip Mama on Instagram
📍For more New York fun follow @themintchipmama
More on The Mint Chip Mama:
Real Mom Life, Family Travel & Everyday Chaos
Thanks for stopping by The Mint Chip Mama – your go-to source for family travel tips, real parenting moments, lifestyle hacks, and everything in between. This is where motherhood gets messy, magical, and served with a scoop of mint chip ice cream. From unforgettable family adventures to food finds, beauty faves, and honest takes on women’s health, I cover it all with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of sass.
Hooked already? Good news—there’s even more amazing content ahead! Find us on a podcast, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, TikTok, and YouTube for daily inspiration, mom truths, and parenting laughs.
📩 Don’t miss a thing! Subscribe below for updates and fresh content delivered straight to your inbox.
Looking for the Perfect Gift or Party Idea?
Check out my Amazon Store for unique, practical, and fun gifts for all ages! From backyard essentials to beauty picks, travel gear, kid-approved games, snacks, and must-read books—there’s something for everyone.
Love to Travel? So Do We!
Explore detailed family travel guides and itineraries from destinations including: Arizona, Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Iceland and Israel! Whether you’re planning your next adventure or just dreaming, I’ve got tips and recommendations for unforgettable, family-friendly vacations.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Check out these classic family movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s — perfect for cozy nights and sharing the timeless favorites you grew up loving with your kids!
📍Follow @themintchipmama on Instagram for real-life moments, parenting fun, perimenopause talk, beauty tips, food finds, and more.
Every click on one of The Mint Chip Mama’s affiliate links helps support this blog (and my serious taco habit). Accordingly, yes, I earn a small commission – just enough to cover that extra guac. 🌮💸
3 thoughts on “Welcome To My Giant Saguaro Obsession!”