Saguaro
Carnegiea gigantea
The iconic Sonoran giant. Protected by AZ law — sourcing and permits matter.
Needs AE Review
WClarke / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 — license
Protected Native Plant Note: This plant may require special review before removal, relocation, transport, or installation. AE will confirm requirements when protected native plants are involved.
Why AE uses caution: Protected under Arizona Native Plant Law. Salvage, transport, and installation may require permits, tags, salvage assessment, and licensed handling.
Schedule: Very infrequent — often monthly or less once established. None when soil is cool and damp.
Emitters: Single low-flow emitter offset from base, or hand-watering only.
Overwatering is the #1 cause of cactus and agave loss. AE designs cactus zones on their own valve.
Arizona yards have very different microclimates. West-facing walls, glass, artificial turf, pavers, travertine, porcelain, and pool decking all increase reflected heat. AE considers these before confirming placement.
- Low root impact
AE verifies pool deck, paver, foundation, wall, and utility clearances before final planting.
Quick Facts
- Plant type
- Cactus
- Mature size
- Varies — AE will confirm during design.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water use
- Very low
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Evergreen
- Thorns / spines
- Severe
- Litter level
- Low
- Pool area
- Good with placement
- Pet/kid placement
- Avoid near play areas
- Maintenance
- Low
- Privacy value
- Low
- Shade value
- Low
- Native
- Sonoran native
About Saguaro
Starter entry. Final mature size, water use, frost sensitivity, and pool placement will be confirmed by AE during design.
Best uses: Signature native statement plant
AE Designer Opinion
Design Uses
- Will be confirmed by AE based on site conditions
Care & Maintenance
- Final care plan confirmed by AE during design
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