How much sun does Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus need?

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus bloom?

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus native?

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus attract?

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus draws native bees.

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Opuntia basilaris

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is a perennial succulent native to AZ, CA, NV, UT. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees.

Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–20" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, UT

Pollinators

native bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A spineless but glochid-covered cactus with flat, blue-gray, paddle-shaped pads that form low, spreading clumps, topped with large, bright magenta flowers in late spring. Grows on dry desert slopes and rocky flats.

Growing Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus

Grow Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 20 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The showy flowers are a major nectar and pollen source for native bees, including cactus specialist bees, and the pads and fruit are eaten by desert wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus need?: Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus bloom?: Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus native?: Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus toxic to dogs?: Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus toxic to cats?: Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus attract?: Bakersfield beaver-tail cactus draws native bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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