Saguaro cacti are commonly misrepresented as native flora in Las Vegas media and merchandise. However, these iconic desert plants don't naturally grow in Las Vegas or anywhere in the Mojave Desert.

Saguaros only grow naturally in three locations:

• The Sonoran Desert of Arizona (state wildflower)
• The Mexican state of Sonora
• The Whipple Mountains and Imperial County regions of California

The Mojave Desert's climate is unsuitable for saguaros because:

• It receives only 4 inches of rain annually (half of what the Sonoran Desert gets)
• Winter temperatures occasionally drop below freezing
• The overall environment is too dry

While you might spot some saguaros in Las Vegas, like those outside Arizona Charlie's casinos, these are transplants that require careful cultivation and regular watering to survive.

The persistent use of saguaros in Las Vegas imagery likely stems from their status as the most recognizable symbol of the American Southwest, despite their limited natural range. This misconception is reinforced by popular culture, including classic cartoons like "Road Runner."

The natural boundary between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts can be observed just south of Kingman, Arizona, where saguaros suddenly appear, marking the transition between these distinct desert ecosystems.

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