Beavertail Pricklypear
Opuntia basilaris
Also listed as Opuntia humistrata, Opuntia intricata
Also known as Beavertail Cactus, Bakersfield Beaver-tail Cactus, Kern Beaver-tail Cactus
Climate Match for your location
See how well Beavertail Pricklypear grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A low-growing, spreading prickly pear cactus with blue-gray paddle-shaped stems and vibrant magenta-pink flowers. Extremely drought-tolerant and suitable for desert gardens and rock gardens.
Why grow it
Beavertail pricklypear is notably lower-growing and more compact than many Opuntia species, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces and rock gardens where taller cultivars would overwhelm the design. Its blue-gray stems and magenta flowers provide distinctive color contrast compared to the yellows and oranges common in other prickly pear varieties. Like most Opuntia basilaris selections, it requires minimal water once established and thrives in poor soils where many ornamentals struggle, reducing maintenance inputs typical of conventional plantings.
Watch out for
In areas with significant winter moisture or poorly drained soils, root rot can develop even though the plant is drought-tolerant in principle. The spines and glochids (fine hair-like spines) can be difficult to remove from skin and clothing, so site placement away from high-traffic areas or pathways is advisable. This species may spread vegetatively from fallen pads in mild climates, so deadheading spent fruits or monitoring for volunteer seedlings can help manage spread if desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mojave and Sonoran Desert regions of southwestern United States
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low-growing, spreading prickly pear cactus with blue-gray paddle-shaped stems and vibrant magenta-pink flowers. Extremely drought-tolerant and suitable for desert gardens and rock gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Beavertail Pricklypear grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Beavertail pricklypear is notably lower-growing and more compact than many Opuntia species, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces and rock gardens where taller cultivars would overwhelm the design. Its blue-gray stems and magenta flowers provide distinctive color contrast compared to the yellows and oranges common in other prickly pear varieties. Like most Opuntia basilaris selections, it requires minimal water once established and thrives in poor soils where many ornamentals struggle, reducing maintenance inputs typical of conventional plantings.
Watch out for
In areas with significant winter moisture or poorly drained soils, root rot can develop even though the plant is drought-tolerant in principle. The spines and glochids (fine hair-like spines) can be difficult to remove from skin and clothing, so site placement away from high-traffic areas or pathways is advisable. This species may spread vegetatively from fallen pads in mild climates, so deadheading spent fruits or monitoring for volunteer seedlings can help manage spread if desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cactaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mojave and Sonoran Desert regions of southwestern United States
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.