Opuntia basilaris

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Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

 
California Native Plant
Plant photo of: Opuntia basilaris
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

This cactus grows 1'- 2' tall and 4' wide. Pads, which resemble Beaver tails, are blue-gray, sometimes with a bit of purple. New pads form on lower areas of the plant. Flowers are intensely rose purple from spring to early summer. This plant prefers full sun with fast draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Cactus

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Red

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Blue, Green

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Water Saving Tip:

Apply as little fertilizer as possible.

If you use fertilizer make sure it stays on the landscape, and carefully water it in so there is NO runoff.