Skip to content

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) — the plant produces reddish; the Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris) is a charming, image 97
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — spiny fruits that persist on the cactus; native to the Southwestern United States and, image 98
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Informing clients of the Beavertail's low-growing habit; the plant produces reddish, image 103
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — adding further ornamental value.<br><br>Adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, image 99
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — Opuntia basilaris thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soils to prevent root rot, image 100
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — With a minimal water requirement; paddle-shaped pads resembling beaver tails, image 101
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Basilaris) — it exemplifies water-efficient gardening and is an excellent choice for xeriscaping; this, image 102
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) — especially in regions that emulate its native desert conditions; this plant typically reaches, image 105

Related plants