The saguaro cactus blossom is the official state flower of Arizona — the creamy-white, waxy bloom that crowns the giant saguaro cactus.

• Official flower: Saguaro cactus blossom
• Scientific name: Carnegiea gigantea
• Year adopted: 1931
• Native range: the Sonoran Desert

About the saguaro cactus blossom

Arizona adopted the saguaro blossom as its state flower in 1931. The flowers appear in a ring atop the cactus’s arms, opening at night and closing by the following afternoon. The saguaro itself is an icon of the American Southwest and can live for 150 years or more.

Where it grows

The saguaro grows only in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, and its blossoms appear on late spring nights, typically in May and June.

Arizona state flower FAQs

What is the state flower of Arizona?

Arizona’s state flower is the saguaro cactus blossom (Carnegiea gigantea), which it adopted in 1931.

When did Arizona adopt its state flower?

Arizona designated the saguaro cactus blossom as its official state flower in 1931.

When does the saguaro blossom bloom?

The saguaro cactus blossom opens on late spring nights, usually in May and June, and closes again by the following afternoon.

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