Organ Pipe Cactus
Stenocereus thurberi
Gallery
Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Cactus, succulent, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Pollinators | Bats |
| Has Spines | Yes |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
10-20' × 5-15' |
| Freeze Tolerant | No |
| Flowering Season | April-July |
| Flower Color | White |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 25 °F |
| Leaf Description | Spines |
| Fruit | A round fruit, with easily removed clusters of spines. The inside is fleshy, and filled with tiny seeds. |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1000-3500 ft. |
| Description | Organ Pipe is an epic columnar cactus which provides a different aesthetic from Saguaro. These plants branch from the base, forming a stand or large clump of ribbed, cylindrical branches that can reach 10 feet or more in height. This species grows well into northern Mexico, but in Arizona these plants can only be found in the central, southern part of the state, south of Phoenix. The best place to view this species in habitat is at Organ Pipe National Monument along the U.S./Mexico border. Like most other cacti, Organ Pipes benefit from growing on a well draining, coarse soil. The limited distribution of this species in Arizona is due to frost sensitivity. These plants may be grown in the ground in Southern Arizona if provided with a warm location. In cooler climates Organ Pipe would function better as a potted specimen. The flowers are funnel shaped, bat pollinated, and open in the evening. |
