Cactus Flowers Are Blooming In Arizona And Here Are The 7 Best Places To Spot Them
Wildflower season might be, for the most part, over, but a different type of bloom is adding vibrancy to the arid desert landscape. A number of cactus species boast radiant flowers in a variety of colors, and they’re truly a sight to behold.
Fed by snowmelt, this popular state park retains its springtime blooms longer than most. Poppies dominate for much of the season, but vibrant cactus flowers make their presence known towards the beginning of summer.
The largest and oldest botanical garden in Arizona, Boyce Thompson spans 392 acres. It features a suspension bridge, many different types of terrain, and nearly 4,000 plant species -- including bright, cheerful cactus flowers sure to leave you breathless. The Argentine giant, or Echinopsis candicans is simply eye-popping!
You'll see cactus flowers in a variety of different hues at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. From the 'Flying Saucer,' or Trichocereus hybrid, to the majestic Organ Pipe (and its smaller cousin, the Dwarf Organ Pipe), there's so much to see as late in the year as October.
Lost Dutchman is among the most popular destinations to spot wildflowers in Arizona, with documented sightings of over a dozen different plants. Saguaros, plus several other cactus species, are among them, displaying their radiant blooms and sweet-smelling fruits for all to see.
Absolutely full of cacti, the iconic Desert Botanical Garden is a sight to see during late springtime. Did you know some species of Prickly Pear cactus have delicious fruits? You can even use the juice to make a refreshing summer cocktail!
With over two million Saguaro cacti spread out across its 92,000 acres, Saguaro National Park is a bucket list-worthy destination this time of year. You'll be overwhelmed in the best way possible trying to figure out what area to explore next.
A 5.5-acre collection of 16 different urban gardens, this unique attraction features everything from tropical butterflies to the prehistoric agricultural practices of Central and Southern Arizona. Its cactus and succulent garden boasts hundreds of cacti and other arid plants are arranged to imitate the Sonoran Desert. The flowering blooms are just breathtaking!
Some of these places might be closed or operating with restricted hours, so visit their websites or Facebook pages for updates before heading out.
How many of these destinations have you visited during cactus flower season? Did we leave off your favorite spot? Let us know, and check out our previous article to learn more about Saguaro National Park: Nearly 2 Million Cacti Grow In This Unique Arizona National Park.
Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Arizona you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
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Address: Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA
Address: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA
Address: Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Address: 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, USA
Address: Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Address: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA
Address: Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
