Saguaro National Park

Our trip to Tucson last week included driving through the Saguaro National Park.

Saguaros grow slowly. In the most favorable conditions it may take 35 years for a plant to reach 6 feet; more commonly it takes 47-67 years.

Petroglyphs more than 800 years old were located on one of the trails in the western park.

Saguaros can grow to 50 feet tall and are the largest member of the cactus family in the US, but not in the world.

Saguaros start life under a tree or shrub to protect them from drying out and be hidden from herbivores. They often outlive their host plant.

Saguaros are protect by law throughout Arizona.