Opuntia basilaris or Beavertail prickly pear

Care of the cacti Opuntia basilaris or Beavertail prickly pear

The genus Opuntia, family Cactaceae, includes some 300 species of cacti originating in Mexico, the USA and Central and South America. Some species are: Opuntia basilaris, Opuntia auberi, Opuntia aciculata, Opuntia lindheimeri, Opuntia valida, Opuntia macrocentra, Opuntia chlorotica, Opuntia rufida, Opuntia robusta, Opuntia polyacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia linguiformis, Opuntia leucotricha, Opuntia engelmannii, Opuntia bergeriana, Opuntia santa-rita, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia durangensis, Opuntia subulata, Opuntia atrispina, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia vestita, Opuntia spinulifera.

Common names: Beavertail prickly pear, Beavertail Cactus, Woodbury Beavertail Cactus, Trelease Beavertail Prickly Pear, Trelease's Beavertail Cactus, Short-joint Beavertail Cactus, Kern Beavertail Cactus, Elongated Beavertail Cactus, Branching Beavertail Cactus, Bakersfield Beavertail Cactus.

Opuntia basilaris is a very branched, bushy cactus that reaches 60 cm (23.6") in height and spreads horizontally up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) in diameter. The segments are greyish blue and reach 14 cm (5.5") in length. The areoles do not have spines but are covered with dense glochids. The showy flowers, 5 cm (1.96") in diameter, can be purple-pink or yellow. It blooms in spring and early summer. The globular fruits are 4 cm (1.57") long.

Beavertail prickly pear is used in cactus and succulent gardens, in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes and in pots for patios and terraces. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Opuntia basilaris needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. It resists frosts down to -5° C (23 ºF).

Branching Beavertail Cactus is very important that the drainage is excellent; it grows well in sandy, poor or stony soils.

Woodbury Beavertail Cactus is a very drought-resistant plant that needs occasional watering in spring and summer, always waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. Do not water during the winter.

Opuntia basilaris does not need fertilizer.

Pruning is not necessary, but dry segments can be removed.

Beavertail prickly pear is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but very sensitive to excess humidity.

Kern Beavertail Cactus is propagated by segment cuttings in spring or summer. It is advisable to protect your hands well from glochids.