Flora

Beavertail Pricklypear

Scientific Name: Opuntia basilaris

Common Names: Beavertail Pricklypear, Beavertail Cactus

Family:  Cactaceae (Cactus family)

Habitat & Range: Found in sandy washes, rocky slopes, desert flats, and chaparral edges. Common in Phelan and Piñon Hills.

Description: A low-growing cactus, growing up to 18 inches tall. Flat, rounded, bluish-green pads with evenly spaced areoles that grow flowers and tiny barbed glochids (hair-like spines). Magenta or deep pink flowers. 

Ecology: Drought-tolerant. Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beetles. Seeds and fruit provide food for birds and rodents. Provides shelter and moisture for reptiles and small mammals. Helps stabilize soil.

Botanical Variety: Short-Joint Beavertail Pricklypear (Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada) is a variety of Beavertail Pricklypear that is lower growing with shorter pads. It tolerates higher elevations and rockier slopes. It is commonly found in Phelan and Piñon Hills.