The Saguaro Cactus – a study of variation within a theme….
In my driving through town and into the desert where I live, just north of Phoenix, Arizona, I have seen a great variety of the Saguaro Cactus…while they are all the same type of plant, it is incredible how different their sizes and shapes can be. I made these photos on my hike to Indian Mesa, just north of Lake Pleasant, in north central Maricopa County…and only about 15 miles north of my home. You can click on any photo to be taken to a slide-show that provides a closer view. If you’d like to learn more about the cactus, you can click on this link to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum’s fact sheet.
Scott's Place...Images and Words 
When I was a child we traveled across the country with a trailer. My most precious memories were those of the west. The saguaro cactus plays a prominent role. Theses are beautiful photos, thank you!
November 9, 2014 at 5:32 pm
How nice that these photos brought such precious memories, Bonnie…you’re most welcome…and thank you, too. 🙂
November 11, 2014 at 8:48 am
Amazing cacti, Scott. These are so tall and must be really old.
November 9, 2014 at 7:37 pm
They are quite amazing…and while I have no clue as to how one might estimate their age, they can live for 150-200 years, and as large as these are, I would imagine that they’ve been around for quite a while.
November 11, 2014 at 8:49 am
What amazing variety you’ve captured. Lovely shots, Scott!
November 10, 2014 at 12:30 am
Thank you, Gunta. 🙂
November 11, 2014 at 8:49 am
I love these plants. We have them here too… and a number of variations. Sometimes you can see them growing right along with mountain vegetation. They know how to adapt. Beautiful images, Scott.
November 10, 2014 at 1:14 am
I think they are fascinating…and how interesting that you have them there, too, but we do live in very similar habitats. Thank you, Shimon.
November 11, 2014 at 8:51 am
They really do vary quite a lot. It must be great to see them blooming.
November 10, 2014 at 5:33 am
They’re quite pretty when blooming, Allen…I’m sure I’ll be posting photos of that phase of their life in a few months.
November 11, 2014 at 8:52 am
They’re quite an alien looking species, Scott, and full of individual character.
November 10, 2014 at 5:58 am
Yes, they are, John…rather alien looking…and it’s almost strange to see them spread over the wide vistas out here…like large green fingers sticking up out of the desert. 🙂
November 11, 2014 at 8:54 am
I can’t wait until Feb. for my trip to Quarttzsite! Your post really makes me miss the desert.
November 10, 2014 at 6:37 am
I hope you have a great time, Laura…the weather should be nice then, too…at least quite a bit more tolerable than your winter-socked NH. 🙂
November 11, 2014 at 8:55 am
I’ve always loved those big cacti! Sure do miss seeing them!
November 11, 2014 at 7:11 pm
They all have such personality!
November 13, 2014 at 8:01 pm
Yes, they do…I can’t help but staring at them when driving past…and sometimes simply standing and staring at them when out among them…..
November 16, 2014 at 4:02 pm