Opuntia basilaris
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus
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
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.