desert cactus

Beavertail Pricklypear

Opuntia basilaris

Native to Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah

Southwestern Utah to southern California, south to northern Mexico

Light Full sun Sun tolerance
Moisture Dry Moisture preference
Zones 5–10 Cold to heat range
Bloom Feb–Jun Flowering time
Height up to 16 in to 41 cm
Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial

In the garden

A desert cactus for full sun and lean, dry soil. At up to 16 in, it tucks into rock gardens, gravel beds, and hot, dry spots. Hardy in USDA zones 5–10.

Growing conditions

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Hardiness zones

Find your zone:

Pollinators & wildlife

Bees Orange-tipped Woodborer

also Western Honey Bee, Angeles Striped Sweat Bee, Megandrena enceliae +3 more
Cactus chimney bees, Barrel Cactus Shortface, Peridot Sweat Bee
Beetles Seven-spotted Lady Beetle also Acmaeodera labyrinthica
Moths White-lined Sphinx
Also visited by
- Butterflies: Pale Swallowtail

Butterflies that use this plant

Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.

Pale swallowtailnectar

Full plant details

Where it grows

Habitat: DesertThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: Arizona, California, Nevada, and UtahUnited States (4): AZ, CA, NV, UT. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: Southwestern Utah to southern California, south to northern MexicoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Growing conditions

Light: Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Moisture: DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
Hardiness zones: USDA 5–10 · Canadian 4–7The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
Soil: Sandy or gravelly soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Water use: LowHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.

Growth & form

Height: up to 16 in (to 41 cm)Typical mature height.
Life cycle: PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).

Flowers, foliage & fruit

Type: CactusWhat kind of plant it is.
Bloom: Feb–JunWhen it flowers.
Flower color: Red, Pink, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
Toxicity: None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.