Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
basilaris
ID:
1287653

Status:
valid

Authors:
Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1856

Citation Micro:
in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 3: 298–299. 1856.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001286991

Common Names

  • Opuntia basilaris
  • Beavertail Cactus
  • Paddle Cactus

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Description

Opuntia basilaris (also called Beavertail Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico and the United States. It is a small, globular cactus with yellow spines and yellow flowers. It is found in dry, rocky areas and grows in full sun.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia basilaris is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that is often used as a ground cover in gardens. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and attract butterflies.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Opuntia basilaris var. longiareolata (Clover & Jotter) L.D.Benson
Opuntia basilaris var. basilaris
Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada (Griffiths) Munz
Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei (J.M.Coult.) J.M.Coult. ex Toumey
Opuntia basilaris var. heilii S.L.Welsh & Neese

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Opuntia basilaris is yellow in color, with a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is small, round, and black in color. The seedlings are small and spiny.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia basilaris is a low-growing, mat-forming cactus native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It grows in dry, sandy, rocky soils in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is by seed or stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and allowed to dry for a few days before planting. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept warm and moist until germination occurs.

Where to Find Opuntia basilaris

Opuntia basilaris can be found in California, Oregon, and Washington in the United States.

Opuntia basilaris FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia basilaris?

Opuntia basilaris

How often should Opuntia basilaris be watered?

Water Opuntia basilaris when the soil is dry to the touch.

What type of soil is best for Opuntia basilaris?

Opuntia basilaris prefers a well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Species in the Opuntia genus

Opuntia megacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia laiglonii, Opuntia lucayana, Opuntia macrantha, Opuntia lutea, Opuntia lucida, Opuntia longispina, Opuntia piccolomini, Opuntia pittieri, Opuntia opuntia, Opuntia occidentalis, Opuntia peckii, Opuntia phyllacantha, Opuntia pennellii, Opuntia papyracantha, Opuntia fragilis, Opuntia flavispina, Opuntia stricta, Opuntia straminea, Opuntia stenarthra, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia glaucophylla, Opuntia elisae, Opuntia elatior, Opuntia effulgia, Opuntia diversispina, Opuntia festiva, Opuntia inaequilateralis, Opuntia humifusa, Opuntia horstii, Opuntia kuehnrichii, Opuntia jussieui, Opuntia intermedia, Opuntia ithypetala, Opuntia irrorata, Opuntia guatemalensis, Opuntia hondurensis, Opuntia hitchenii, Opuntia hanburyana, Opuntia virens, Opuntia woodsii, Opuntia rooneyi, Opuntia urbaniana, Opuntia salmii, Opuntia salicornoides, Opuntia pubescens, Opuntia protracta, Opuntia praecox, Opuntia reptans,

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,

References

George Engelmann (1809-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Engelm.' in the authors string.
John Milton Bigelow (1804-1878): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'J.M.Bigelow' in the authors string.