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Beavertail, Beaver Tail Cactus
Opuntia basilaris
The Beaver-tail Cactus is a smaller 'prickly pear' cactus, and is one of the first native plants to bloom in the early spring. They are valued for their beautiful, large pink to fuchsia flowers that can cover the plant. Beware of the glochids, the small clusters of very fine spines arranged in 'dots' on the surface of the pads as they can penetrate the skin. The best way to remove the glochids is by dabbing the effected area with tape then wash with warm soapy water.
- Plant type: Cactus, Native
- Maintenance level: Low
- Water requirement: Low
- Sun exposure: Full
- Height range: 6–18 Inches
- Width range: 2–6 Feet
- Canopy value: 13 ft²
- Growth rate: Slow
- Seasonal habit: Evergreen
- Flower color: Purple, Pink
- Flower season: Spring
- Fruit color: Brown
- Fruit season: Summer
- Design style: Patio Plant, Thorns/Spines
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 10 °F
- Soil preference: Sand, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
- Native location: Southwest USA
- PH preference: Alkaline/Basic
- Sunset zones: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
- USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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