Record-high temperatures over the last few years in many parts of the United States have contributed to major stress on plants, animals, and humans. The extreme heat, coupled with a lack of rainfall, has caused problems with Arizona’s iconic saguaro cacti.
In 2023, the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona said that the condition of its cacti was affected by the lack of precipitation and sustained heat conditions.
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Experts say the high heat puts excessive stress on the cacti, despite their ability to survive in desert climates. While they might experience some respite during the night in the cooler desert air, extreme heat during the day can tend to suffocate the cacti, experts say.
ABC15 Meteorologist Ashlee DeMartino talked with the Desert Botanical Garden during the Saguaro Census 2025 to get an update on cactus health and what to expect around our environment. See the full report in the video player above.
The saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert and is considered a giant among cactus species.
The area’s Tohono O’odham nation considers the iconic cactus not as plants, but as respected members of their group, the National Parks Service writes.
They can grow at altitudes of up to 4,000 feet above sea level. “Saguaro forests” are seen in more abundance around the Ajo Mountain Drive area of Arizona.
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But experts say that continued hikes in heat over time could cause new generations of the cactus giants not to be able to grow at all.
