The Saguaro cactus, the largest cactus in America, is an impressive and majestic sight to behold, standing tall and proud.

Although the taproot of the Saguaro Cactus extends about five feet into the soil, the overall root system of the plant is very shalloW. Saguaro roots are only around 3-5 inches deep but extend out in a radius as long as the plant is tall. The taproot serves to access underground Water in the desert. The main roots of the cactus are covered in special hairs that serve to collect as much as 200 gallons during a rainfall. The summer monsoons that bring rain to the Sonoran Desert often last only a feW minutes so the Widespread net of a Saguaro’s root systems acts to quickly absorb any Water before it runs off. The collected Water is then stored in the cactus to provide hydration during dry periods in the desert. The extension root system also acts to support the cactus, keeping it anchored and upright during the Winds that often accompany rainstorms.