Quick answer: Beavertail prickly pear (Opuntia basilaris) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Greg Mote from Glendora, CA, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Sandy or gravelly soils |
| Bloom | Feb-Jun |
| Height | Up to 16 in |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native bees |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 04 Nov 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 04 Nov 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Beavertail prickly pear
Where is Beavertail prickly pear native?
Beavertail prickly pear (Opuntia basilaris) is native to Arizona. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Beavertail prickly pear bloom?
Beavertail prickly pear blooms Feb-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Beavertail prickly pear need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry. Soil: Sandy or gravelly soils. Mature height: Up to 16 in.
Is Beavertail prickly pear good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native bees.
Is Beavertail prickly pear deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Beavertail prickly pear is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Beavertail prickly pear?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 04 Nov 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Opuntia basilaris by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Beavertail prickly pear.
- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
- Fairy duster Calliandra eriophylla
- American century plant Agave americana
- Anderson wolfberry Lycium andersonii
- Antelope-horns milkweed Asclepias asperula
- Arroyo lupine Lupinus succulentus
Also listed under
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