December 2023

December 2023

Anyone who has a large Saguaro Cactus in their yard in Tucson is silently hoping for that day it matures and starts to grow its first iconic arm. Saguaro growth though is frustratingly slow. We often see Saguaros of incredible height without a single arm, and others much shorter with an oversupply of branching. The age of Saguaro maturity is shrouded in mystery but definitely counted in decades.

Four months ago sustained hurricane winds downed our favorite tree. It was a sad day because it was also the one that held our Owl Box. I soon noticed damage to our largest Saguaro, the one I held out the most hope for. In two places it looked like something had penetrated the Saguaro skin. Wondering if it was projectile damage or an infestation of the wound, I sent a desperate note to the local Agricultural extension for advice. I was shocked at their response. We have the beginnings of Arms!

I have been watching them ever since. In the relative life of a Saguaro, these arm buds are growing in the fast lane. In a month we can see they are clearly arms now. My “green thumb” is happy.