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Opuntia basilaris

Beavertail Prickly Pear

Plant photo of: Opuntia basilaris
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Information by: Kathleen Moore        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

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.