Very little has been recorded about the adoption of Arizona’s state flower, the bloom of the saguaro (suh.GWA.roh, suh.WAH.roh) cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). The cactus itself was depicted on Arizona’s first territorial seal in 1863.
The saguaro’s blossom was adopted as the official territorial flower on March 18, 1901. Later, a druggist from Maricopa County introduced another bill to adopt the saguaro blossom. He probably just wanted to make sure the territorial flower became Arizona’s state flower. The state flower bill passed on March 16, 1931.
The fragrant, waxy white saguaro blossom is among the most unique of state flowers. The sweet flowers attract bees and flies in May and June. In July, the flowers become red-fleshed fruits that attract doves migrating from Mexico. Papago and Pima Indians also harvest saguaro fruit, which they make into a syrup.
An older Arizona state seal depicts a deer, pine trees, and the saguaro cactus.
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