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California Native Plant

Opuntia basilaris

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

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

 

Description

This cactus grows to 2' tall and 4' wide. Pads, which resemble Beaver tails, are blue-grey, 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.

 

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 a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.