Thousands of plants can be grown in the Sonoran Desert with success, and one of them comes with additional benefits such as flowers, providing food for wildlife, and relatively easy growing requirements. In this new story, learn more about the tree that doesn’t “bite back” with thorns or needles, the Desert Willow. | Arizona Illustrated

Saguaros are one of the longest living plants here in the Sonoran Desert, reaching an average of around 200 years old before they begin to wither. In that time, they would have fed countless individuals, provided shelter, produced millions of seeds, offered a rest stop for traveling birds, and so much more. A Saguaro can take upwards of 10 years to grow a single inch. As it ages, it will begin to produce flowers around 30-35 years old and may branch out its first arm between 50-70 years old. Thi