Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris)
Beavertail Cactus
Meet the Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris), a low-growing desert native that’s as tough as it is enchanting. This clump-forming prickly pear grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads 2-4 feet wide, with flat, paddle-like pads in shades of blue-green to dusty purple, especially vibrant in full sun or drought. In spring, it bursts into a show of hot pink to magenta flowers, followed by small, edible fruits. Its velvety pads lack long spines but are dotted with tiny, barbed glochids—handle with care!
Care Made Easy:
• Sun: Full sun is its sweet spot—6+ hours daily for bold colors and blooms. Light shade works but mutes its glow.
• Water: Desert-ready—water deeply every 3-4 weeks in summer, letting soil dry out completely. In winter, skip watering or go ultra-light.
• Soil: Needs gritty, well-drained soil—cactus mix or sandy gravel keeps its roots happy and rot-free.
Perfect for rock gardens, xeriscapes, or low-profile pots, the Beavertail thrives in USDA zones 8-11, shrugging off dry cold to 10°F (-12°C)—just protect from soggy winters. Its spreading habit makes it a great groundcover, and pollinators love its nectar-rich flowers. Watch those glochids—they stick to skin or fur; non-toxic but irritating if ingested by pets.
Add a Beavertail Cactus to your cart and let this vibrant, low-care beauty bring a splash of desert magic to your space!
Beavertail Cactus
Meet the Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris), a low-growing desert native that’s as tough as it is enchanting. This clump-forming prickly pear grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads 2-4 feet wide, with flat, paddle-like pads in shades of blue-green to dusty purple, especially vibrant in full sun or drought. In spring, it bursts into a show of hot pink to magenta flowers, followed by small, edible fruits. Its velvety pads lack long spines but are dotted with tiny, barbed glochids—handle with care!
Care Made Easy:
• Sun: Full sun is its sweet spot—6+ hours daily for bold colors and blooms. Light shade works but mutes its glow.
• Water: Desert-ready—water deeply every 3-4 weeks in summer, letting soil dry out completely. In winter, skip watering or go ultra-light.
• Soil: Needs gritty, well-drained soil—cactus mix or sandy gravel keeps its roots happy and rot-free.
Perfect for rock gardens, xeriscapes, or low-profile pots, the Beavertail thrives in USDA zones 8-11, shrugging off dry cold to 10°F (-12°C)—just protect from soggy winters. Its spreading habit makes it a great groundcover, and pollinators love its nectar-rich flowers. Watch those glochids—they stick to skin or fur; non-toxic but irritating if ingested by pets.
Add a Beavertail Cactus to your cart and let this vibrant, low-care beauty bring a splash of desert magic to your space!
Beavertail Cactus
Meet the Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris), a low-growing desert native that’s as tough as it is enchanting. This clump-forming prickly pear grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads 2-4 feet wide, with flat, paddle-like pads in shades of blue-green to dusty purple, especially vibrant in full sun or drought. In spring, it bursts into a show of hot pink to magenta flowers, followed by small, edible fruits. Its velvety pads lack long spines but are dotted with tiny, barbed glochids—handle with care!
Care Made Easy:
• Sun: Full sun is its sweet spot—6+ hours daily for bold colors and blooms. Light shade works but mutes its glow.
• Water: Desert-ready—water deeply every 3-4 weeks in summer, letting soil dry out completely. In winter, skip watering or go ultra-light.
• Soil: Needs gritty, well-drained soil—cactus mix or sandy gravel keeps its roots happy and rot-free.
Perfect for rock gardens, xeriscapes, or low-profile pots, the Beavertail thrives in USDA zones 8-11, shrugging off dry cold to 10°F (-12°C)—just protect from soggy winters. Its spreading habit makes it a great groundcover, and pollinators love its nectar-rich flowers. Watch those glochids—they stick to skin or fur; non-toxic but irritating if ingested by pets.
Add a Beavertail Cactus to your cart and let this vibrant, low-care beauty bring a splash of desert magic to your space!
