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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 7–11Type CactusClimate Arid, Subtropical
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — and its carefree maintenance requirements will assure them of its suitability for their garden

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
7–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Cactus
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid, Subtropical

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Photos (125)

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Native to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — These bluish-green paddles are dotted with small barbed bristles; cactus for full, image 66
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails
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) — cactus with pink and red blooms; spiny fruits that persist on the cactus
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) — it's excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and rock gardens
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) — pink and red flowers in the garden
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — this plant typically reaches 6-12 inches in height with a 2-3 feet spread; adding further, image 57
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Each bloom spans approximately 2 to 3 inches across, image 95
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — especially in regions that emulate its native desert conditions
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Opuntia basilaris thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soils to prevent root rot, image 73
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — cactus with pink and red blooms; spiny fruits that persist on the cactus, image 80
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) — cactus with pink and red blooms
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — and its carefree maintenance requirements will assure them of its suitability for their garden, image 104
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — a detail worth noting during installation and maintenance.<br><br>In the spring; is a, image 67
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; paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails; the Beavertail creates dense clumps that add, image 83
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — especially in regions that emulate its native desert conditions; this plant typically reaches, image 105
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — pink and red flowers in the garden; with a spread of roughly 24 to 36 inches
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — These bluish-green paddles are dotted with small barbed bristles; cactus for full, image 93
Photographs by 13 contributors

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