Crazy Saguaro

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.

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. 

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 the saguaro. It was then transported and planted it in Pima Prickly Park for all to enjoy.