Mary A. Hamilton. Tidbits of Walla Walla/Columbia Counties & Milton-Freewater: Issue 554 (2007-02-13): Page 7-8: "Our 48th State"
Arizona's state flower is the blossom of the Saguaro cactus. Though it grows slowly (reaching only 6 inches in height after 9 years), the plants may grow to weigh more than 8 tons and can hold up to 250 gallons of water. The Saguaro cactus doesn't begin to bloom until it is at least 30 years of age, and the familiar "arms" don't appear until 75. Woodpeckers, owls, and wrens make homes there. The Tohono O'odham natives make great use of the plant. They not only eat its food and ferment its juice, but they use its ribs to build homes, traps, and storage containers.