Expert: Greg Simpson - 11/25/2006

Question
I bought a small cactus about 5 years ago what was labled "saguaro."  At the time it was about the size of a lightbulb, now it is about the size of a football, with a normal saguaro-like shape and ribs.  However I am suspicious of the ID because the spines on top are very dense and are three inches long.  At the base of the cactus the spines are only 1 inch long.  Is that normal for a saguaro?  What have I got?

Answer
Jane,

Sounds normal for a saguaro. The spines should be a grayish color and the stem a dark green. In the wild, if the saguaro didn't have those long spines, deer, javelina, and rabbits would eat all the seedlings. If you want to send me a picture at gregandkat@msn.com, I will positively identify your plant.

Sincerely,

Greg