Trelease's Beavertail Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei): A Rare, Spineless Cactus from California

Trelease's Beavertail Prickly Pear is a rare variety of the beavertail cactus endemic to the western Mojave Desert in California. Unlike most prickly pears, this variety (Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei) is nearly spineless, bearing only minute, easily detached glochids in its areoles.

Distinctive Features

The pads are flattened, blue-gray, and shaped like beaver tails—hence the common name. They grow in low, sprawling clusters. In spring, the plant produces spectacular, large, magenta to deep pink flowers that contrast beautifully with the gray pads. The fruits are dry and spiny at maturity. This variety is listed as rare and is protected in its native habitat.

Conservation and Cultivation

In cultivation, it requires the same conditions as the species: full sun, extremely well-drained soil, and minimal water. It is cold-hardy to around 15°F (-9°C) if kept dry. Because of its rarity, ensure any plants are nursery-propagated, not wild-collected. Its spineless nature and vivid flowers make it a highly desirable addition to native plant gardens and cactus collections.