This perennial cactus forms a clump with rounded succulent, green-purplish segments with brown to white areoles dotted on the smooth surface. It may or may not have short spines and the purple-red bowl-shaped flowers appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 10 

Opuntia basilaris is naturally found in south-west North America from California to Nevada, Arizona and extending into northern Mexico at an altitude from 60 to 900 m (200-3000 ft), growing in rocky places or in grasslands with winter rains. 

It prefers a very well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony soil in an open sunny position and is drought and light frost tolerant. 

The Beaver-tail Pricklypear is grown for its flowers and habit. It is planted in rockeries or arid gardens or used as a potted plant. In cold climates it is grown under glass and is suitable for inland regions establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. This plant is also used in roof gardens, courtyards or window boxes, requiring little care or moisture once established. ID 3106

Opuntia (o-PUN-tee-ah) basilaris (BAS-il-AH-ris)    

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)