Beaver Tail Prickly Pear
Opuntia basilaris
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Cactus, succulent, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Pollinators | Bees |
| Has Spines | Yes |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
1-2' × 3-4' |
| Flowering Season | February-June |
| Flower Color | Pink (occasionally white) |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 0 °F |
| Leaf Description | Bluish/purple cladodes (pads) |
| Fruit | Green fruits with numerous tan seeds |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1000-5500 ft. |
| Description | A common prickly pear in western Arizona where it occupies habitats ranging from scorching desert washes to oak and juniper studded woodland. In general this species stays low to the ground, spreading wider than tall, forming a patch which erupts in showy pink flowers in the spring. Beaver tail prickly pear is generally more or less spineless, though it still has glochids (those prickly hairs which get stuck in your skin!), and the pads take on a gorgeous purple hue in response to sun or cold exposure. |
