Opuntia basilaris
Beavertail Prickly Pear
Description
Low, spreading cactus grows at a moderate rate to 1' x 3'. Pads are blue-gray with small brown spines. Flowers are magenta to pink and appear in the spring. This cactus offers vibrant spring color to your yard. Accepts reflected sun. Native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts.
Plant Type
Cactus
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Brown, Blue Green, Grey Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Blue, Green
Fruit Season
Summer, Fall
Sun
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Water Saving Tip:
Apply a 2" layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost, or aged sawdust.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are also acceptable.