The Beavertail Cactus of Anza-Borrego State Park

Anza-Borrego State Park is home to one of the most beautiful cacti in the desert, the Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris). Learn about the flower bloom and discover fun facts about this unique plant.

The Beavertail Cactus: A Desert Beauty at Anza-Borrego State Park

Anza-Borrego State Park, located in Southern California, is home to one of the most unique and beautiful cacti in the desert, the Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris). This cactus is known for its large, flat pads that resemble the shape of a beaver’s tail and its vibrant pink or red flowers that bloom in the spring.

The Beavertail cactus is a type of prickly pear cactus and is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The cactus can grow up to 6 feet tall and can spread up to 20 feet wide. The pads of the cactus are covered in small, needle-like spines called glochids, which can be irritating to the skin.

The flowers of the Beavertail cactus are truly a sight to behold. They bloom in the spring, typically from March to May, and can range in color from pink to red. The flowers are large, measuring up to 2 inches in diameter, and have a unique, funnel-shaped structure. The flowers are also a popular food source for desert animals, such as the desert tortoise, jackrabbit, and roadrunner.

If you’re planning a trip to Anza-Borrego State Park in the spring, be sure to keep an eye out for the Beavertail cactus in bloom. It’s a sight that you won’t want to miss!

Here are a few fun facts about this unique desert plant:

• The Beavertail cactus is also known as the “paddle cactus” or “desert beaver tail.”
• The pads of the cactus can be harvested and used as a food source, but it’s important to remove the spines first.
• The Beavertail cactus is also used in traditional medicine, particularly for treating burns and wounds.
• The flowers of the Beavertail cactus are pollinated by bees, butterflies, and moths.
• The Beavertail cactus is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water.

Come visit Anza-Borrego State Park and experience the beauty of the Beavertail cactus in bloom for yourself. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the vibrant pink and red flowers make for beautiful photos. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a jackrabbit or roadrunner enjoying a snack of Beavertail cactus flowers.