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Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia Basilaris

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Overview

The Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, low-growing cactus, native to the Southwest. Notable for its distinct, flat, paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails, this plant typically reaches 6-12 inches in height with a 2-3 feet spread. Springtime blooms display vibrant pink flowers, adding a pop of color. Prefers full sun, minimal water, and well-draining soil, it's excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and rock gardens.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 7–11Climate Arid, Subtropical
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — The Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, low-growing cactus, native to the Southwest
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — scientifically named Opuntia basilarisBeavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — it's excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and rock gardensBeavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Springtime blooms display vibrant pink flowers, adding a pop of colorBeavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tailsBeavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — The Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, low-growing cactus, native to the SouthwestBeavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — is a captivating species and a quintessential element for any drought-tolerant landscape+98

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
7–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid, Subtropical

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Photos (105)

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — this plant typically reaches 6-12 inches in height with a 2-3 feet spread
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — scientifically named Opuntia basilaris
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — it's excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and rock gardens
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Springtime blooms display vibrant pink flowers, adding a pop of color
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — The Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, low-growing cactus, native to the Southwest
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — is a captivating species and a quintessential element for any drought-tolerant landscape
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — this low-growing perennial presents a unique silhouette with its flattened
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — with a spread of roughly 24 to 36 inches
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — the Beavertail creates dense clumps that add texture and a soft yet rugged beauty to garden compositions
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — These bluish-green paddles are dotted with small barbed bristles
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — a detail worth noting during installation and maintenance.<br><br>In the spring
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Each bloom spans approximately 2 to 3 inches across
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — contributing both color and visual interest to the arid landscape palette
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — the plant produces reddish
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — spiny fruits that persist on the cactus
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — adding further ornamental value.<br><br>Adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Opuntia basilaris thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soils to prevent root rot
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — With a minimal water requirement
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — it exemplifies water-efficient gardening and is an excellent choice for xeriscaping
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Informing clients of the Beavertail's low-growing habit
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — and its carefree maintenance requirements will assure them of its suitability for their garden
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — especially in regions that emulate its native desert conditions

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