The prickly pear family used to be a staple of the Native American diet and lifestyle. It was used as a food source, for medicine, for building, and much more. beavertail prickly pear is no exception to the usefulness of the rest of the family, but also makes an eye-catching accent in a cactus garden or landscape.
It is a low-growing cactus, not exceeding more than a foot in height, but spreading in clumps up to six feet. Bright pink to magenta blossoms cover this beauty from early spring through fall. Fruit follows flowering, which many birds and wildlife are fond of. Plant beavertail prickly pear with other colorful desert perennials like penstemon, angelita daisy, or globe mallow for color that will make a statement.
Height: 1 – 2 feet
Width: 4 – 6 feet
Bloom color: Pink
Flowering season: Late Winter, Spring, Early Summer
USDA minimum zone: 5
Cold hardiness: -10° F
Photo Gallery
