Beavertail Pricklypear

(Opuntia basilaris)

Beavertail Pricklypear (Opuntia basilaris)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Opuntia basilaris, commonly known as Beavertail Pricklypear, is an evergreen succulent native to desert regions, including the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts in the Southwestern United States. This cactus typically grows to a height of 70–400 mm (2.8–15.7 in) and forms dense clusters of fleshy, flattened pads that resemble a beaver’s tail, hence the common name. The pads are usually spineless, which is somewhat atypical for cacti, but they do possess numerous small barbed bristles called glochids that can easily penetrate the skin and are difficult to remove. The Beavertail Pricklypear is notable for its showy pink to rose-colored flowers that bloom from spring to early summer, adding a splash of color to arid landscapes.

The Beavertail Pricklypear is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens in arid regions. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water, making it an easy plant to maintain. It prefers well-draining soils and is well-suited to cultivation in sandy or gravelly substrates. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This plant is also used in native plant gardens and as a ground cover to stabilize soils in dry areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Succulent
  • Height: 6-12 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Very Low, Low
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts

Other Names

Common Names: Woodbury Beaver-Tail Cactus, Beavertail Cactus, Beaver-Tail Prickly-Pear, Branching Beaver-Tail Cactus, Kern Beaver-Tail Cactus, Bakersfield Beaver-Tail Cactus, Short-Joint Beaver-Tail Cactus, Elongated Beaver-Tail Cactus, Nopal Del Castor, Bäveropuntia

Scientific Names: , Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia basilaris var. basilaris, Opuntia basilaris var. heilii, Opuntia basilaris var. ramosa, Opuntia basilaris var. woodburyi, Opuntia basilaris subsp. cordata, Opuntia humistrata, Opuntia treleasei var. kernii, Opuntia basilaris var. whitneyana

GBIF Accepted Name: Opuntia basilaris Engelm. & Bigelow