Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail Pricklypear)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciesbasilaris
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouthwestern United States of America and northwestern Mexico.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a - 10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15
Temperature (°F)5
Height40 cm
Spread80 cm - 1 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMarch, April, May, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeClumping.
LandscapeWinter interest, among potted succulent collections, in rock gardens, as a potted patio plant or as a specimen.
PropagationDivision or rooting of pads or seed.
CultivationBest in very fast draining soils and full sun.
PestsNo known pests or diseases.
Notable SpecimensDesert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America. The University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada.
HabitatDry, well-drained sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils on upper bajadas and moderate slopes in the lower mountains.
Leaf DescriptionGlamorous or lightly-spined broad-ovate succulent leaves.
Flower Description5 -7 cm pink-magenta solitary flowers that bloom during the summer.
Fruit DescriptionSmall ovate prickly pears that grow along the edges of the leaves.
Colour DescriptionFoliage can vary in colour from a silvery green to medium green tone. Prickly pears vary from a copper-brown to a reddish brown.
Texture DescriptionSmooth to spiny.

Photographs