Crazy Saguaro
“Given enough time, anything can happen.”
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In March 2025 the Urban Rescue program had a very unusual saguaro cactus rescue opportunity. They rescued a saguaro that was grown from the central stem after being cut up. It's important to note that many scientists and novices have attempted to grow saguaros from cut arms or stems without success. This is a one in a million saguaro story.
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Bill Peachey, Saguaro scientist extraordinaire, was riding his bicycle near El Con Mall in 2018 and noticed a section of a saguaro leaning against a wall that was showing new growth. After several attempts, he was able to talk to the home owner and found out that the full-grown "parent" saguaro had been causing problems to the roof of the house and needed to be removed. It was estimated to have been cut down sometime in the early 2010s and all but one piece was discarded. The top 4-foot portion was leaned up against the south facing back wall in the alley behind the house - intending to be disposed of eventually. It was completely ignored with no supplemental water, and it was never actually "planted" in the ground.
Over time, the saguaro began to grow. It produced arms and even bloomed! Bill Peachey shared his photographic record of its growth over the years.
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The homeowner passed away in 2024 and since the home was going to be put up for sale, his daughter who had met Bill Peachey contacted us to see if we would like the saguaro. Of course TCSS was so grateful for the opportunity. The Urban Rescue crew carefully and methodically dug up and transported the saguaro and planted it in Pima Prickly Park for all to enjoy.
It may not be beautiful, but it’s got a great story!

Apr 5 2018 - First photo taken some years after it was leaned against the wall. The top portion is estimated to be about 16" of new growth. Photo credit Bill Peachey.

Apr 5 2018 - Close-up of the top portion with arm bud that didn’t fully develop. Photo credit Bill Peachey.

Jun 16 2019 - Fruited. Photo credit Bill Peachey.

Jun 16 2019 - Fruited close-up. Photo credit Bill Peachey.

Apr 17 2023 - Starting to bud. Photo credit Bill Peachey.

Apr 17 2023 - Close-up of bud on lower arm. Photo credit Bill Peachey.

Mar 1 2025 Assessment for removal

Mar 15 2025 Day of removal, beginning excavation. Bottom of saguaro is rounded and roots are visible.

Mar 15 2025 Carefully excavating roots.

Mar 15 2025 The crew carefully wrapping the saguaro for transport.

Mar 15 2025 Fully wrapped and braced with a backboard for transport.

Mar 15 2025 Lifting saguaro after roots were excavated.

Mar 15 2025 Ready to lift to trailer.

Mar 15 2025 Close-up of roots. Original cut visible above the root ball.

Mar 15 2025 Loaded onto trailer with sleds used for stabilizing.

Mar 15 2025 Arrived at Pima Prickly Park and loaded onto cart for replanting.

Mar 15 2025 Planted in position against Mesquite tree for stabilization.

Mar 15 2025 Unwrapping after planted.

Mar 15 2025 Secured to mesquite tree.

Mar 15 2025 Dedicated crew.

Mar 20 2025 Flower buds emerging on lower arm.

Apr 3 2025 Flower buds on crown.

Apr 3 2025 Flower buds on lower arm.

May 1 2025 Flower buds on lower arm.

May 1 2025 Flower buds on crown.

May 14 2025 - Blooming

May 14 2025 Lower arm blooms

May 14 2025 Crown blooms