Crested Cactuses

The tall, columnar shape of the saguaro cactus is familiar to any desert traveler. But very rarely (about only one plant in 10,000), a saguaro will grow with a fan-shaped crest of uncontrolled growth at the tip. These oddities of the plant kingdom are known as cristate (or crested) saguaros. The deformity also occurs in other species of cactus, such as the organ pipe and barrel cactus. Science has not yet fully explained why this mutation occurs; perhaps it is caused by frost damage, although many other explanations have been offered. Whatever the cause, I find the swirling shapes strangely beautiful; here are photos of the crested cactuses I have come across in my desert travels.

If you know the exact location of any crested saguaros that are not shown here (GPS coordinates preferred but not essential), please write to me at the email address at the bottom of this page.

Click on each thumbnail to see a larger image.


Yavapai County, Arizona

bizarre_cristate0649_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0645_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0619_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0620_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0632_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0634_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2009.

bizarre_cristate0623_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0626_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6348_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6349_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0560_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
This saguaro has at least 14 "Y" splits, but one of the arms in the back also exhibits a small crest so I am classifying it as cristate.
This is a rare "ring" crested saguaro, in which the crest grows in a ring around the tip of the saguaro. One side of this "ring" has grown very high, making the crest resemble a baseball mitt.

bizarre_cristateIMG_4859_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_4857_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6312_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6310_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6313_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6317_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus (collapsed).
Last visited: May 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6306_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0505_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6301_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6327_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0525_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6332_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_0538_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0547_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6345_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0571_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0578_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6360_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6358_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus (double crest).
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6375_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0590_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6374_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0596_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0598_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6384_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1572_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7057_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3809_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3818_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3823_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9316_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_9323_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3826_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9328_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3848_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3840_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9347_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3835_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9339_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3860_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9348_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9359_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9356_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4675_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0083_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0087_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0091_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4699_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4694_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0097_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4949_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0270_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0271_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4969_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0281_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4971_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0283_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4979_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4978_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4984_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0290_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.
Cristate prickly pear cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4991_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0296_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.


Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_1553_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7034_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1566_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7051_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.


La Paz County, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_1223_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6820_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2319_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7795_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7768_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7787_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3218_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3221_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8666_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8672_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.


Maricopa County, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_0607_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6387_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0615_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6392_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2330_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7820_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_7662_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2196_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7646_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7754_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7752_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_8421_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2971_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8420_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2984_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8430_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8425_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3013_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8524_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8518_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8527_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4717_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4725_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4898_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0247_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4909_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0250_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4928_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0258_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4993_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0303_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0408_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0411_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5168_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0417_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5177_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5183_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5896_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0660_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2013.


Tonto National Forest, Arizona
bizarre_cristate100_3684_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9129_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9125_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3698_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3708_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9149_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_8143_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8152_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5442_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5451_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2624_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8106_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Collapsed June 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2634_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8130_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_9876_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9875_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0167_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0160_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.

bizarre_cristate101_0157_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0159_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2612_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate100_2605_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate100_5364_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_9891_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9892_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2009.
This is a rare "ring" crested saguaro, in
which the crest grows in a ring around
the tip of the saguaro.
This crest measures an amazing 10 feet 7 inches across!
This saguaro looks like it
sustained damage, then
continued growing as
a crested nub.

bizarre_cristate101_1528_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1537_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1532_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_1578_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1563_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1568_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_2753_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8233_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_1591_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3783_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_1724_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1726_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2009.

bizarre_cristate101_1743_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1746_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3443_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3445_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8899_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0990_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0994_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: August 2009.

bizarre_cristate0977_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0982_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0983_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9046_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0997_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0999_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: August 2009. Dead and decaying
when revisited in January 2012 (right photo).
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_4620_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_4611_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0036_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0032_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0040_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_0340_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0342_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0817_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0812_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0827_s.jpg
Cristate hedgehog cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Rare crested hedgehog. Note normal hedgehog in background.
                                                                                                                 

bizarre_cristate100_1601_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1592_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1597_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7072_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2253_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7733_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1606_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7075_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7308_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7302_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1891_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7328_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011
(collapsed March 2013).
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1957_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1972_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1961_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1930_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1939_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7400_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_7518_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7519_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2087_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2082_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2095_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7556_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_2120_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2127_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7585_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2137_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7590_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_4894_s.jpg
 
bizarre_cristateIMG_7594_s.jpg
6/10/2011
bizarre_cristateIMG_8586_s.jpg
11/13/2011
bizarre_cristateIMG_9953_s.jpg
6/10/2012
bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0242_s.jpg
12/28/2012
Cristate saguaro cactus. Photo sequence showing growth of crest on arm
Last visited: December 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_2239_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2242_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7710_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2232_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7695_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7704_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_7838_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2345_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7842_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7848_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2388_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7873_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2473_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7925_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2476_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_8022_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2550_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8020_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: August 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2516_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7957_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7986_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8001_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2533_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7978_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: August 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2584_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8038_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2805_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8292_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_8289_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8285_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_8197_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2715_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8195_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2750_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2746_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8208_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2794_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2785_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8250_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8260_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_8293_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8295_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2848_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8324_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8334_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3117_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3122_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8571_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3143_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8595_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8599_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8603_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3154_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8610_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3164_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8629_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8636_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3168_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3411_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8875_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8873_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3398_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3400_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8864_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3436_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3430_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8888_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8892_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3454_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8913_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8907_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3491_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8942_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8944_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3503_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3501_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8950_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3636_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9042_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3654_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9103_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3660_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3665_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3667_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9117_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3691_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3689_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9139_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3747_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9269_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3765_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9284_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3799_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9296_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4082_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4085_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4104_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4109_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4113_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4319_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9767_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9766_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4336_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4339_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9792_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4329_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9779_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4647A_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0012_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0048_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0051_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_9814_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9821_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9823_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4375_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9834_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9829_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0003_1_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0003_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4640_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0002_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9983_s.jpg    bizarre_bizarre_cristateIMG_9984_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4636_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4632_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9994_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9979_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4615_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9973_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0029_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0036_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0025_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4739_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4735_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0113_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4743_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4745_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5016_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0318_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5018_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0324_s.jpg
Cristate hedgehog cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5020_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate100_5027_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate100_5034_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5207_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5206_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.
Cristate prickly pear cactus.
Last visited: March 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5527_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5530_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5689_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0594_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0645_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0638_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5832_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate100_5833_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate100_5828_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5929_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0684_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2013.


White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Phoenix, Arizona

bizarre_cristateIMG_7127_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1656_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7117_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7134_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7132_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1674_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1672_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7147_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.


Cave Creek Regional Park, Cave Creek, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_1975_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1979_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3718_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3724_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3728_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.


Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Cave Creek, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_5798_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5801_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2013.


Cave Creek, Arizona

bizarre_cristate2750_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2751_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2753_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5813_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0619_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5858_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0652_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5910_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0676_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0672_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2013.


Carefree, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_3344_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8806_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5192_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5195_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0436_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Transplanted from Sun City November 2011.
Last visited: December 2011.
Gone June 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Transplanted from Sun City January 2013.
Last visited: February 2013.

bizarre_cristate2063_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2062_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_8813_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_4565_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4566_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4567_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4569_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4570_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4572_s.jpg
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.
Cristate compass barrel cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.
Cristate golden barrel cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.
Cristate whortleberry cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4573_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4574_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4575_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4581_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4579_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4583_s.jpg
Cristate cereus cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.
Cristate fishhook barrel cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.
Cristate (monstrose) cereus cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.
Cristate unknown cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4586_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4585_s.jpg
Cristate (monstrose) cereus cactus.
Last visited: September 2012.


Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery, Cave Creek, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_3729_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9175_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2012.


Cactus Ranch Nursery, Morristown, Arizona

bizarre_cristate0602_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0601_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2009.


Saguaro Country Nursery, Surprise, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_0876_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6569_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.


Sun City, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_0864_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6564_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0880_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0884_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6576_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Now gone (transplanted to
Carefree January 2013).
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_0855_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0857_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0859_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6557_s.jpg
Cristate cereus cactus (?).
Last visited: March 2011.


McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_0689_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate101_0700_s.jpg     bizarre_cristate101_0694_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_2159_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2155_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7605_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3328_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3316_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8796_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.


McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona
bizarre_cristateIMG_5204_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_5205_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5948_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate5266_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate5273_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2010 (dead and collapsed when revisited in June 2013 -- right photo).
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: September 2010.
This cristate saguaro was illegally removed from its original location, confiscated from a nursery by the Department of Agriculture, and replanted here in the Preserve.
This rare crested barrel was dead and collapsed by the time I located it; I propped it up with a stick for these photos.

bizarre_cristateIMG_7100_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1642_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7092_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7099_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3202_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8656_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8659_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3578_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9037_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3588_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9009_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3602_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9016_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristateIMG_9020_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3615_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9021_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4431_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4430_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9866_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4747_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0124_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4754_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0128_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4762_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0135_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.


Scottsdale, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_3362_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8822_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3276_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8752_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0159a_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0160a_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2009.

bizarre_cristate3615_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3611_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0358_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0361_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7560_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7564_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_2873_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8349_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8350_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5720_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0598_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5726_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0601_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5765_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5768_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5777_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5782_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5787_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5784_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5714_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5713_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5733_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5732_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5739_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5741_s.jpg
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate golden barrel cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5723_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5724_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5736_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5737_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5761_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5762_s.jpg
Cristate cholla cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate cholla cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate cholla cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5754_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5755_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5746_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5749_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5751_s.jpg
Cristate prickly pear cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate whortleberry cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.


Fountain Hills, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_9478_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8799_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3340_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3600_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3604_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: August 2011.


Paradise Valley, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_3348_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8815_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3351_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3356_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3354_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate cardón cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.


Mesa, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_1421_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1422_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1426_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2009.


Phoenix, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_1987_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1988_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0020_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0019_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate0028_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0023_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2009.

bizarre_cristate0025_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate0024_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2236_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2240_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1504_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7004_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_7011_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7007_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7681_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_2210_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4122_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4124_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2011.
Cristate cholla cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4892_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0232_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5816_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5817_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5877_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5879_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2012.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: May 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5894_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5890_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: June 2013.


Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_1116_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5485_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5455_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4377_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4379_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009 (now gone).
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2008 (now gone).
This cactus died in December 2009, reportedly from excess rain.
This cactus is also gone, reportedly blown down by high winds.

bizarre_cristate100_2432_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1189_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3088_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7895_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3054_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: October 2011.
This is now the only crested saguaro remaining at the Desert Botanical Garden.
This crested barrel is located next to one of the garden paths, but is not signed.

bizarre_cristate100_0346_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6102_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0348_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6101_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6100_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6099_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6103_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6105_s.jpg
Various species of cristate cactus in the Sybil B. Harrington Cactus Gallery.
Last visited: January 2011.


Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_2494_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7948_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7953_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7951_s.jpg
cristateIMG_7941_s.jpg    cristateIMG_7944_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: July 2011.


Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Phoenix, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_0250_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0255_s.jpg
cristate100_1994_s.jpg    cristate100_1986_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7431_s.jpg
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: December 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
                                                                                                                 
This saguaro has the most "Y" splits (at least 20!) of any I've seen, but highest tip also exhibits a small crest so I am classifying it as cristate.


Superstition Mountain Museum, Apache Junction, Arizona

bizarre_cristate5137_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate5139_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2008 (now gone).
Collapsed in storm October 2010.


All Arizona Cactus Nursery, Apache Junction, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_2522_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7964_s.jpg    cristateIMG_7966_s.jpg
Cristate cardón cactus.
Last visited: August 2011.
The cardón is a relative of the saguaro that is native to northwestern Mexico.


Florence Junction, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_3642_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3647_s.jpg   bizarre_cristateIMG_9054_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate5317_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate5321_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: September 2010.
                                                 
This is a rare "ring" crested saguaro,
in which the crest grows in a ring
around the tip of the saguaro.


Queen Valley, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_1308_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1306_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1301_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2009.


San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_4328_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4334_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3375_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8842_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3386_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8856_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2008.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_8830_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8831_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8832_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3379_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8848_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8850_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2011.


Pinal County, Arizona

bizarre_cristate3007_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3003_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4048_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9511_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9512_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4054_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4029_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4038_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9500_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4040_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4043_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9504_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4059_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9526_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4061_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9529_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9534_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9532_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4074_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9546_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9564_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9561_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4131_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4133_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4136_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4767_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0143_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0139_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4778_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4780_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4797_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0153_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4802_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0154_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4814_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0158_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4820_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0160_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4824_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4825_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0166_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4832_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0171_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4843_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0189_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4845_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0191_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4852_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0194_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4854_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0198_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4860_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0200_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4864_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4866_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4872_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4879_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0217_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5092_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0354_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5094_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0360_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5103_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0365_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5107_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0373_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5113_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0379_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5122_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0388_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5126_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0392_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5135_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5134_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5141_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5142_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5143_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0400_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5155_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0403_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5157_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5156_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2013.


Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_0463_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6254_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6255_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4199_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4203_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9654_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
"Ladder" cristate.
Triple crest.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6242_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6240_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0461_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6245_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.


Sonoran Desert National Monument, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_0493_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0490_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3185_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3196_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8652_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2011.



Tortolita Mountains, Arizona

bizarre_cristateIMG_1925_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_1931_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_1943_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_1945_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.

bizarre_cristateIMG_1937_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_1942_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7217_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0400_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6173_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7262_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009 (left two photos),
May 2011 (right photo, dying).
Reported dead and collapsing April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011 (left two photos),
May 2011 (right photo, dying).

bizarre_cristateIMG_1950_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_1954_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_1962_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_1960_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_1974_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_1972_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus (collapsing).
Last visited: November 2009.
Reported dying July 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
Reported dead and collapsed April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_0379_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6149_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6158_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6157_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0391_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6164_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_0436_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0440_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0445_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6231_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Reported dying May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Reported dying May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_0385_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0389_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6161_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0395_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6170_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0397_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus (triple crest).
Last visited: January 2011.
Reported dying July 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6233_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0446_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0431_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0347_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0346_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.
Reported dead and collapsed May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_0688_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6407_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0672_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6413_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0695_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6426_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_0674_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0683_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6418_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0718_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0721_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Reported dead and collapsing April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6457_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0746_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6459_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0759_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6482_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011 (reported dying April 2012).
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6969_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1459_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6541_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0770_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0762_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0772_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristate101_0780_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6510_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0790_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0792_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0804_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6547_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1865_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7289_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1805_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1803_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7249_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1696_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1697_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1739_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7192_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1747_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7204_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1714_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1717_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7170_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7165_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7284_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4283_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus (triple crest).
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011 (left),
April 2012 (right, collapsed).

bizarre_cristate100_1758_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1756_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7212_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1787_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7233_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristateIMG_7220_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7226_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7222_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1839_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7274_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7272_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1812_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7256_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_7278_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7281_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1870_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7297_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus (dying).
Last visited: May 2011. Reported
collapsed January 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4279_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4278_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4287_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9720_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4297_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9728_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4306_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9739_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4310_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9747_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4312_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9750_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus (dead).
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_5053_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0340_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5069_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5076_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0350_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_0727_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0752_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1833_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1835_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1810_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1808_s.jpg
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_4299_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4301_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5057_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5062_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5079_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5080_s.jpg
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.


Oro Valley, Arizona
bizarre_cristate100_0649_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6402_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1724_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_7184_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3564_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8985_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: May 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3571_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8987_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3560_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8979_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3017_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4261_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4259_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4263_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9699_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4266_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9705_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus
(dead and collapsing).
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4271_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9709_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5068_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0344_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus
(dead and collapsing).
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.


Catalina State Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristateIMG_6202_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0404_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2011.


Coronado National Forest, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_9082_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9081_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_9090_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9088_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2008.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2008.


Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_9071_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9074_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0231_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0232_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0286_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0293_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2008.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.

bizarre_cristate2032_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2033_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2396_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2398_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_5918_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_5921_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2010.

bizarre_cristate100_0713_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6437_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_6440_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6441_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1280_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6902_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: February 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_3548_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_8966_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_8975_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3555_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4232_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9670_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4241_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4238_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4250_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9683_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.


Tohono Chul Park, Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate2040_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2043_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_2052_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_2054_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
                                                                                                                 
This crested barrel was already dead by the time I visited the park to photograph it.


Bach's Cactus Nursery, Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_0219_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0222_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.
Reported gone January 2012.


University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_9119_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9118_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_9116_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2008.


Tucson Botanical Garden, Arizona

Photos by Bizarre Backroads contributing photographer John Orman.

bizarre_cristate_tbg1body_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate_tbg1head_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate_tbg2body_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate_tbg2head_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2008 (now gone).
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2008.
The crest of this cactus was dying when this photo was taken in March 2008; within 4 months the entire crest fell off or was removed.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


Sabino Canyon, Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_1427_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0312_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0325_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0324_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1418_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6946_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.


Sweetwater Preserve, Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_1445_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1436_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_1464_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1465_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_1446_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1447_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2009.


Tucson Mountain County Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_4517_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4520_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_1485_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_1499_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0099_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0098_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2008.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus
(dead and collapsing).
Last visited: November 2010.

bizarre_cristateIMG_6870_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1245_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6876_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1258_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6877_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_1267_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1262_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6888_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4155_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9612_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_4162_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9616_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4176_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9633_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9628_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5044_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5051_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.


Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_4620_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4543_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4666_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4667_2_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_4647_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4648_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2008.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2008.
Cristate chainfruit cholla cactus.
Last visited: March 2008.


Saguaro National Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate101_0257_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0260_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0266_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate101_0272_2_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0271_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate101_0278_2_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2009.

bizarre_cristate1995_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2007_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2001_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2024_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2013_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2021_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2009.

bizarre_cristate2380_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2385_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2441_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2439_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2009.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: December 2009.

bizarre_cristate3046_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3049_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3036_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3039_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3059_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3063_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.

bizarre_cristate3033_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3031_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3055_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3053_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0068_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_0069_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2010.

bizarre_cristate100_0075_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_5801_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_5799_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_0104_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_5880_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_5877_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2010.
Reported collapsed April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: November 2010.

bizarre_cristate100_1381_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6938_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1390_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6944_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1376_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1375_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Cristate barrel cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.

bizarre_cristate100_4218_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4221_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9655_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5041_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0335_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2013.


Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_4253_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9692_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9697_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2012.


Tohono O'odham Reservation, Arizona

bizarre_cristate2640_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2639_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2648_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2650_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2667_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2664_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2010.

bizarre_cristate3168_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3166_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3094_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3096_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1296_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6908_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.

bizarre_cristate2653_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2655_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5555_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0540_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus (ring crest).
Last visited: January 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5562_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0543_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0545_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5608_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0567_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0566_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5622_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0575_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5577_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0552_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5585_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5586_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0557_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0558_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5616_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0571_s.jpg
Cristate organ pipe cactus with crests on
multiple arms (some dead).
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.


Sahuarita, Arizona

bizarre_cristate3097_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3098_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3100_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3104_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.

bizarre_cristate3077_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3078_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate3084_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate3082_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2010.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center.


Green Valley, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_1300_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_1301_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6913_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_1320_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_6927_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2011.
This is a triple-crested saguaro. It is in the process of collapsing, affording a rare opportunity to examine two of the crests at eye-level.
                                                                                                                 


Yuma County, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_5247_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5251_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0451_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0453_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5243_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0448_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2013.


Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona

bizarre_cristate2544_s.jpg   bizarre_cristate2554_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2010.


Pima County, Arizona

bizarre_cristate100_4007_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_4010_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9489_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5656_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0585_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5659_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_101_0588_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.

bizarre_cristate100_5634_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5637_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5640_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5645_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5646_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5654_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5653_s.jpg
Cristate organ pipe cactus with crests on two arms.
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate organ pipe cactus
(dead and decayed).
Last visited: April 2013.
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: April 2013.


Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona

bizarre_cristateIMG_9581_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9582_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate2566_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate2567_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2002.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: January 2010.
This magnificent specimen, with a crest that spreads about 6 feet across, is located in an area that is now closed to all access, so this cactus can no longer be visited by the public.
                                                                                                                 

bizarre_cristateIMG_9370_s.jpg   bizarre_cristateIMG_9367_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9374_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9378_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3895_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3888_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3907_s.jpg   bizarre_cristateIMG_9406_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3918_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9413_s.jpg
bizarre_cristateIMG_9418_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9422_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3988_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3985_s.jpg    bizarre_cristateIMG_9465_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3999_s.jpg   bizarre_cristateIMG_9478_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3878_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3880_s.jpg
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate saguaro cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3898_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3900_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3950_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3958_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3979_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3980_s.jpg
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3913_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3912_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3914_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_3959_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3962_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3967_s.jpg
Cristate organ pipe cactus.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate organ pipe cactus (dead).
Last visited: March 2012.

bizarre_cristate100_3925_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3926_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3939_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_3927_s.jpg
bizarre_cristate100_5538_s.jpg    bizarre_cristate100_5541_s.jpg
Cristate organ pipe cactus with crests on three arms.
Last visited: March 2012.
Cristate organ pipe cactus (dead).
Last visited: April 2013.


Thanks go out to the following people who have given me directions to, or led me to, one or more of the above crested saguaros: Terry W., Eileen R., Glenn K., Dave P., Heather O., RGH, Kurt W., Bill W., Gary B., John P., and especially my fellow members in the Crested Saguaro Society (Joe P., Bob C., Pat H., Ted C., Max L. and Phil K.). Many of my photos are also featured on the Crested Saguaro Society web site.

For artistic black & white photos of crested saguaros, go to my Grayscale Gallery.

For other types of mutant cactus, see my Not Quite Crested and Saguaros Gone Wild pages.




Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.

Revised: June 12, 2013
Copyright © 2008-2013 Joe Orman
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