The mighty saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), Lord of the Sonoran Desert, stands as a sentry over the harsh landscape of the American southwest. Being the largest cactus in the United States, it can weigh as much as 4800 pounds as the bellows expand with water and can have upwards of 25 arms. Growing very slowly, the saguaro takes up to 200 years to reach a height of 60 feet. In late spring the cacti often explode with white flowers at the tips of the arms which then turn into red fruit by mid summer. Covered with protective spines, the saguaro seems like a formidable object yet it is the home to a great number of birds. At death, its woody ribs are used for roofs, fences and furniture. From birth to death the saguaro is an icon of the Sonoran Desert.