Opuntia basilaris

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Opuntia basilaris

Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus

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Information by: George Hull MSN Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

Description

This cactus grows to 2' tall and 4' wide. Pads, which resemble Beaver tails, are blue-grey, sometimes with a bit of purple. New pads form on lower areas of the plant.. Flowers are intensely rose purple from spring to early summer. This plant prefers full sun with fast draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established.

Plant Type

Cactus

Height Range

1-3'

Width Range

3-6'

Flower Color

Pink, Red

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Blue, Green

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Raised Planter, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.