Beavertail Pricklypear

Also known as Beavertail Cactus, Beavertail Prickly Pear

Beavertail pricklypears form low-growing, spreading clumps of flattened, teardrop-shaped pads that resemble beaver tails. Unlike many other cacti, they lack long prominent spines, relying instead on dense cushions of microscopic barbed bristles called glochids for defense. In mid to late spring, brilliant magenta flowers bloom along the pad edges, attracting native bees and desert pollinators before ripening into dry fruits.