Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntia Basilaris

Design with this plant

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

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 7–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Climate: Arid, Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (105)

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — pink and red flowers in the garden

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — cactus with pink and red blooms

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — cactus for full

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — The Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, low-growing cactus, native to the

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails; the Beavertail creates dense clumps that add texture and a

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — this plant typically reaches 6-12 inches in height with a 2-3 feet spread; adding further ornamental

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Springtime blooms display vibrant pink flowers, adding a pop of color; pink and red flowers in the garden

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — it's excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and rock gardens, image 32

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — scientifically named Opuntia basilaris; these bluish-green paddles are dotted with small barbed bristles

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — is a captivating species and a quintessential element for any drought-tolerant landscape; opuntia

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico; cactus with pink and red blooms

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — this low-growing perennial presents a unique silhouette with its flattened; scientifically named Opuntia

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — with a spread of roughly 24 to 36 inches; a detail worth noting during installation and

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — the Beavertail creates dense clumps that add texture and a soft yet rugged beauty to garden, image 38

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — These bluish-green paddles are dotted with small barbed bristles; cactus for full

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — a detail worth noting during installation and maintenance.<br><br>In the spring; is a captivating species

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Each bloom spans approximately 2 to 3 inches across, image 41

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — contributing both color and visual interest to the arid landscape palette; it exemplifies water-efficient

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — the plant produces reddish; the Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, low-growing

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — spiny fruits that persist on the cactus; native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — adding further ornamental value.<br><br>Adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11; contributing both

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Opuntia basilaris thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soils to prevent root rot; informing

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — With a minimal water requirement; paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — it exemplifies water-efficient gardening and is an excellent choice for xeriscaping; this low-growing

Related plants

Red Torch Cactus (Echinopsis Huascha) — commonly known as Red Torch Cactus

Red Torch Cactus

Echinopsis Huascha

Full · Zones 9–11

Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia Engelmannii) — Engelmann's Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii) is a resilient cactus, ideal for arid landscapes

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Opuntia Engelmannii

Full · Zones 9–10

Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantea) — The Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is an iconic cactus native to the Sonoran Desert

Saguaro

Carnegiea Gigantea

Full · Zones 10–10

Sprawling Prickly Pear (Opuntia Phaeacantha) — The Sprawling Prickly Pear (Opuntia phaeacantha)

Sprawling Prickly Pear

Opuntia Phaeacantha

Full · Zones 9–11

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus

Giant Prickly Pear

Opuntia Robusta

Full · Zones 10–11

Mexican Fencepost (Pachycereus Marginatus) — is an eye-catching columnar cactus

Mexican Fencepost

Pachycereus Marginatus

Full · Zones 9–10