eltakay

As an Arizona resident for over 6 decades, I concur -- it is a cacti, and although it looks quite spectacular, it isn't a Saguaro.

True Saguaros are very slow growing -- a ten year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall and could take another twenty years to attain just 12 inches in height. They do not bloom until they are at least 7 feet tall and 70 to 80 years old.

See the accompanying photo that shows Saguaro blossoms which are round and flat, about 3-4 inches across, with short petals that curve downward. The blossoms appear only on the very tips of the main "trunk" and at the ends of the "arms".

We hope many of you will visit our area someday and see these majestic specimens "up close & personal". Just make sure it's in the Springtime if you want to see those flowers. ;-)

EK