Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775a]

Also Known As

Beavertail Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 4"
W: 18"

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775a] plant details

Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775a] is a cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring pink and purple flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Grows well with sun and occasional water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775a]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 4 IN tall
Flowers: pink and purple blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775a]

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Plants from these colonies close to 8700 ft elevation near Mt. Whitney in the eastern Sierra Nevada received some of my first collection numbers during a hike just after high school. This more recent collection from the same area forms a rather dense clump of blue-green pads, to about 4", with neatly spaced, orange glochids and abundant purple-pink flowers in late spring. Has been easy in cultivation though seems to like a well-drained mix whether in the garden or in container, the granite scree in which it grows naturally being a good indicator. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4, or lower.