Opuntia basilaris
Beavertail Prickly Pear Cactus
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.
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
Water Saving Tip:
Give your sprinkler system a checkup when turning it on in the spring and occasionally during the summer.
Trim branches that are obstructing spray patterns and raise sprinklers that are too low for spray to clear the grass.