Counting Saguaros

April 25, 2022

Looking for a great family activity? Head outside in your neighborhood and help the Garden in its first-ever Saguaro Census. This all-ages project aims to better understand the health and adaptation of the Valley’s saguaro population. Want to join in? It’s easy! Add...

Why Desert Botanical Garden is Studying Urban Saguaros

April 25, 2022

During the summer of 2020, the Phoenix metropolitan area recorded its hottest summer ever. Not being able to move, the effects of those record temperatures affected the most vulnerable: plants. There were numerous reports of saguaros losing arms or falling throughout...

Saguaro Census

April 22, 2022

Desert Botanical garden launched its first-ever project documenting urban saguaros. The Saguaro Census is part of a larger project led by the Garden’s New World Succulents Specialists Dr. Tania Hernandez to better understand the health and adaption of the Valley’s...

Is Saguaro Cactus Fruit Edible?

July 7, 2021

Photo by Michael Searcy Ripening in the hottest, driest time of the year, saguaro fruit provide important moisture and nutrition to animals and insects in the Sonoran Desert before the summer monsoon rains. With each saguaro able to produce an average of 150 fruit,...

Fruits that Grow in the Desert

June 2, 2021

Common fruit trees like citrus and figs are forming fruits in May but there are many other desert plants producing edible fruits. These desert fruits produced are relished by desert animals such as birds, desert tortoises as well as people. Look for saguaro fruits...