Arizona Cactus Garden

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Arizona Cactus Garden

The Arizona Cactus Garden, also known as the Stanford Cactus Garden, is a botanical garden specializing in cactus and succulent plants. It is located on the Stanford University campus in Stanford, California. The garden was originally designed by Rudolph Ulrich in the 1880s as part of the Leland Stanford Junior University's arboretum.

History[edit | edit source]

The garden was commissioned by Jane Stanford and Leland Stanford in memory of their son, Leland Stanford Jr., who died of typhoid fever at the age of 15. The garden was part of a larger plan for the university's arboretum, which was never fully realized. The design of the garden reflects the Victorian fascination with exotic plants and includes a variety of cacti and succulents from the American Southwest and Mexico.

Design and Layout[edit | edit source]

The Arizona Cactus Garden covers approximately one acre and features a variety of pathways and beds arranged in a formal Victorian style. The garden includes several species of cactus, agave, yucca, and other succulents. The layout is designed to showcase the diversity of these plants, with groupings based on their natural habitats and growth forms.

Plant Collection[edit | edit source]

The garden's collection includes many notable species, such as:

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
Barrel cactus (Ferocactus)
Prickly pear (Opuntia)
Aloe
Agave americana

Conservation and Education[edit | edit source]

The Arizona Cactus Garden serves as an important resource for the study and conservation of cactus and succulent species. It provides educational opportunities for students and visitors to learn about the diversity, ecology, and conservation of these plants. The garden is maintained by the Stanford University Grounds Services and is open to the public year-round.

Visiting Information[edit | edit source]

The garden is located near the Stanford University Arboretum and is accessible from the Stanford University campus. It is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free. Guided tours are available by appointment.